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Thyroid function at diagnosis of type I diabetes.
1Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Eaton Road, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|June 26, 2010
Summary
Transient thyroid function abnormalities are common at type I diabetes diagnosis. Routine thyroid hormone measurement at diagnosis is not recommended due to these temporary changes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Thyroidology
Background:
- National guidelines advocate for thyroid function assessment at type I diabetes diagnosis and annually thereafter.
- This study audits the adherence to thyroid surveillance guidelines in type I diabetes patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence and nature of thyroid function abnormalities in children at diagnosis of type I diabetes.
- To determine if routine thyroid function testing is warranted at the time of type I diabetes diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 110 patients diagnosed with type I diabetes was monitored.
- Thyroid function was assessed at diagnosis and during a follow-up period of 2.3 years.
- Data were analyzed to identify abnormalities and their correlation with diabetic ketoacidosis.
Main Results:
- 19.0% of patients exhibited abnormal thyroid function at type I diabetes diagnosis.
- Most abnormalities were transient, resolving within 45 days.
- Thyroid dysfunction was more prevalent in children with diabetic ketoacidosis (31.0%) compared to those without (14.8%).
Conclusions:
- Transient thyroid function abnormalities are frequent upon diagnosis of type I diabetes.
- Routine thyroid hormone measurement at diagnosis is not advised due to the high incidence of transient findings.
- Further investigation into the specific causes of transient thyroid dysfunction in this population may be warranted.
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