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Thyroid dysfunction in Indian children with Down syndrome
Devi Dayal1, Puneet Jain, Inusha Panigrahi
1Departments of Pediatrics, #Nuclear Medicine and $Endocrinology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. drdevidayal@gmail.com.
Insights
This study on children with Down syndrome (DS) found most had subclinical hypothyroidism. Thyroid imaging revealed normal gland size in most cases, with some showing impaired tracer uptake.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Thyroid Disorders
Background:
- Down syndrome (DS) is associated with an increased risk of thyroid dysfunction.
- This study reviewed thyroid function in children with DS over a 10-year period.
Discussion:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most prevalent thyroid dysfunction in children with DS.
- Radionuclide scans indicated normal thyroid gland morphology in the majority of cases.
- Ultrasonography revealed reduced thyroid gland size in a small percentage of patients.
Key Insights:
- High prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in pediatric Down syndrome population.
- Thyroid gland structure is often normal despite functional abnormalities.
- Impaired tracer uptake on radionuclide scans suggests functional rather than structural thyroid issues.
Outlook:
- Further research into the specific mechanisms causing thyroid dysfunction in DS.
- Longitudinal studies to monitor the progression of thyroid abnormalities in children with DS.
- Development of targeted screening and management strategies for thyroid health in DS.
Abstract:
This record review of 82 children with Down Syndrome (DS) between April 2004 and March 2014 who had thyroid dysfunction, showed that majority (76, 92.6%) had subclinical hypothyroidism. Of the 60 patients who underwent radionuclide scan, 63.3% had a normal gland; the rest exhibited only impaired tracer uptake. Ultrasonograms done in 20 patients showed reduction of thyroid gland size in 3 (15%) patients only.
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