Hyperprolactinemia in Children with Subclinical Hypothyroidism.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Thyroid Disorders

Background:

• Hyperprolactinemia prevalence in children with subclinical hypothyroidism (ScH) is unknown.
• This study investigates hyperprolactinemia in euthyroid, ScH, and overt primary hypothyroidism (OPH) pediatric groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine the occurrence and predictors of hyperprolactinemia in children.
• Evaluate the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and hyperprolactinemia in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• Serum prolactin levels were measured in 602 children (<18 years) with normal thyroid function, ScH, or OPH.
• Exclusion criteria included pituitary adenomas, secondary hypothyroidism, and drug-induced hyperprolactinemia.
• Statistical analysis utilized ROC curves to assess thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) predictive value.

Main Results:

• Hyperprolactinemia occurred in 4.41% of euthyroid, 30.98% of ScH, and 51.51% of OPH children (p<0.001).
• Median prolactin levels increased significantly with thyroid dysfunction severity.
• TSH ≥4.00 mIU/L demonstrated good sensitivity (69.4%) and specificity (77.6%) for predicting hyperprolactinemia (AUC=0.758, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Hyperprolactinemia is prevalent in children with ScH and OPH.
• TSH levels ≥4.00 mIU/L are valuable predictors of hyperprolactinemia in children.
• Further research is needed to determine if hyperprolactinemia warrants treatment for pediatric ScH.