EVALUATION OF THYROID DISEASES BY HORMONAL ANALYSIS IN PEDIATRIC AGE GROUP

Abstract

Introduction: Among endocrine disorders commonly encountered in pediatric age group, thyroid diseases are more frequent. Congenital hypothyroidism is one of the major problems in this age with worldwide incidence of 1:3000-4000 live birth and in India it is 1:2500-2800. Objectives: The aim of this study is to know the prevalence of thyroid diseases in newborn and children by hormonal evaluation. Methodology: We have studied 50 children suspected of having signs and symptoms of thyroid diseases. Hormonal evaluation was done by the estimation of serum TSH, T3 and T4. Results: Out of total 50 children, 16 were detected with abnormal hormone level and diagnosed having thyroid diseases. Out of 16 affected children, 4 had congenital hypothyroidism (25%), 6 had subclinical or acquired hypothyroidism (37.5%), 3 had autoimmune thyroiditis (18.75%) and 3 had goiter with graves disease (18.75%). Conclusion: Congenital hypothyroidism is one of the major preventable thyroid disease if diagnosed early. Other thyroid diseases commonly seen in pediatric age are subclinical hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis, goiter and rarely hyperthyroidism.

Keywords

• Pediatric age
• newborn
• subclinical hypothyroidism (SH)
• congenital hypothyroidism (CH)