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[Down syndrome and hyperthyroidism. Report of 3 cases]
1Departamento de Endocrinología, Hospital San Juan de Dios, Santiago de Chile.
Revista Medica De Chile
|February 7, 2001
Summary
Hyperthyroidism, including Graves disease, can affect individuals with Down syndrome. Regular thyroid screening is recommended due to subtle symptoms in this population.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Down syndrome is associated with a higher prevalence of thyroid dysfunction.
- While hypothyroidism is more common, hyperthyroidism also occurs in individuals with Down syndrome.
- Early detection and management are crucial for preventing complications.
Observation:
- Three patients with Down syndrome presented with hyperthyroidism.
- Two patients were diagnosed with Basedow Graves disease and treated with radioiodine.
- One patient had Hashitoxicosis, managed with propylthiouracil.
Findings:
- Clinical and subclinical thyroid dysfunction are frequent in Down syndrome.
- The risk of thyroid dysfunction increases with age in this population.
- Signs and symptoms of thyroid disease are often subtle or undetected in Down syndrome patients.
Implications:
- Yearly thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measurements are recommended for surveillance in Down syndrome patients.
- Proactive monitoring can facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism.
- Understanding the spectrum of thyroid disorders in Down syndrome is vital for comprehensive patient care.