Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
04:39

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Published on: March 17, 2023

Subclinical hypothyroidism in children

Krishna G Seshadri1

  • 1Department of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India.

Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
|April 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) affects less than 2% of children, often presenting benignly. While thyroid hormone levels appear normal, predictors of progression include goiter and autoimmune conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Thyroid Disorders
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with normal free thyroid hormone levels.
  • The prevalence of SCH in the pediatric population is less than 2%, though data is limited.
  • Congenital developmental anomalies and genetic mutations are implicated in the etiology of SCH.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the current understanding of subclinical hypothyroidism in children and adolescents.
  • To identify potential risk factors and predictors of progression for SCH in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pediatric subclinical hypothyroidism.
  • Analysis of reported cases and epidemiological data regarding SCH prevalence and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • SCH in pediatric populations appears to be a generally benign condition with a low risk of progressing to overt hypothyroidism (OH).
  • Despite elevated TSH, thyroid hormone function seems adequate in most pediatric cases of SCH.
  • Predictors for potential progression to overt hypothyroidism include the presence of goiter, celiac disease, and positive anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric subclinical hypothyroidism is typically a self-limiting condition with a favorable prognosis.
  • Monitoring for progression is warranted in pediatric patients with risk factors such as goiter, celiac disease, or autoimmune thyroid disease.

Keywords:
Subclinical hypothyroidism in childrencongenital developmental anomalies

More Related Videos

In vivo Characterization of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Effects via Thyroid Hormone Action Indicator Mouse04:14

In vivo Characterization of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Effects via Thyroid Hormone Action Indicator Mouse

Published on: October 6, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

Hypothyroidism 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...
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction01:25

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:27

Hyperthyroidism 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...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

Graves 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...
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones01:20

Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones

Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Graves' Disease I: Introduction01:28

Graves' 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...