Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
04:39
Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
Published on: March 17, 2023
Childhood vitiligo and thyroid disease.
Nurimar Conceição Fernandes1, Márcia Maria Cajueiro Campos
1School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho - Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil. nurimarfernandes@terra.com.br
Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia
|June 9, 2009
Summary
Childhood vitiligo does not significantly increase the risk of thyroid disease. A study found similar thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in children with and without vitiligo, suggesting no greater thyroid risk for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Dermatology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- The link between childhood vitiligo and thyroid disease remains uncertain.
- Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding this association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in children diagnosed with vitiligo.
- To compare thyroid antibody and thyrotropin levels in children with and without vitiligo.
Main Methods:
- Serum levels of antithyroid antibodies and thyrotropin (TSH) were measured.
- A cohort of 50 children with vitiligo was compared to 40 healthy controls.
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant differences between groups.
Main Results:
- One child in the vitiligo group and one control subject exhibited elevated TSH levels.
- No statistically significant difference in antithyroid antibody titers or TSH levels was observed between the groups.
- Vitiligo was not identified as a risk factor for developing thyroid disease in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Childhood vitiligo does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of thyroid disease.
- Routine thyroid screening in children with vitiligo may not be warranted based solely on the presence of vitiligo.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...
01:23Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...