Low adherence to national guidelines for thyroid screening in Down syndrome

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Genetics and Genetic Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Down syndrome is associated with an increased risk of thyroid dysfunction.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics provides guidelines for regular thyroid screening in children with Down syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the adherence of primary care providers in Oklahoma and Nebraska to American Academy of Pediatrics thyroid screening guidelines for children with Down syndrome.

Main Methods:

• Children with Down syndrome born between 1994-2004 in Oklahoma and Nebraska were identified.
• Medical records were reviewed to assess the frequency of thyroid screenings performed.
• Actual screening rates were compared against recommended guidelines.

Main Results:

• Only 13% of children in Oklahoma and 14% in Nebraska received all recommended thyroid screenings.
• A mean of 34% (Oklahoma) and 45% (Nebraska) of recommended screenings were performed.
• Overall adherence to screening guidelines was found to be low.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to American Academy of Pediatrics thyroid screening guidelines for children with Down syndrome is suboptimal.
• Further investigation is needed to identify barriers to guideline adherence.
• Interventions are required to improve thyroid screening rates in this vulnerable population.