TRH stimulation in non-toxic goitres in children and adolescence

Non-toxic goitres are commonly encountered in clinical practice, but in the majority the aetiology is unknown. Possible aetiological factors include iodine deficiency, biosynthesis defects, immunologic factors or goitrogens. The consequential effect on thyroid function may be clinically undetectable. In this study, serum thyrotrophin (TSH) response to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation was studied in a group of school children with non-toxic goitres to delineate those who may benefit from treatment. Evaluation of possible aetiological factors responsible for goitrogenesis was made by assessment of thyroid autoantibodies and history of exposure to goitrogens.