Hypothyroidism in paediatric patients with Prader-Willi syndrome; regular monitoring is recommended

Abstract

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder described by multifaceted clinical features with implications on the endocrine system, metabolism, and behavior. Some symptoms of PWS syndrome can be confused with the relative clinical aspects of hypothyroidism, such as lethargy, muscular hypotonia, and poor sucking ability. In this review, we would like to enlighten the importance of checking thyroid function in PWS patients at birth, at least annually, in those on growth hormone (GH) treatment, in any child of PWS with growth failure, and in those in whom there is an insufficient response to GH therapy, to ensure that any aberrant thyroid function is not overlooked and adequately treated.

Keywords

• growth hormone
• hypothyroidism
• prader-willi syndrome
• thyroid function