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Growth studies in infants and children with Down's syndrome and elevated levels of thyrotropin
T Sharav1, R M Collins, P J Baab
1Hadassah-WIZO-Canada Research Institute, Jerusalem, Israel.
Insights
Thyroid dysfunction is common in children with Down's syndrome. High thyrotropin (TSH) levels are linked to growth retardation in those under 4 years old, impacting development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Down's syndrome is associated with various health complications.
- Thyroid dysfunction is a known comorbidity in individuals with Down's syndrome.
- Early identification and management of thyroid issues are crucial for development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with Down's syndrome.
- To determine the association between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and growth parameters in this population.
- To explore the age-related trends of thyroid dysfunction in children with Down's syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective survey of 147 patients diagnosed with Down's syndrome.
- Analysis of thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroxine levels.
- Correlation of TSH levels with growth parameters (head circumference, height, weight).
Main Results:
- 60% of patients exhibited elevated TSH levels (>5.7 mU/L) with normal or high thyroxine.
- High TSH levels were more prevalent in children under 4 years old (94 patients).
- Elevated TSH was significantly associated with growth retardation in younger children.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid dysfunction, indicated by high TSH, is prevalent in Down's syndrome.
- High TSH levels are linked to significant growth retardation in children under 4 years.
- Monitoring thyroid function is essential for managing growth and development in Down's syndrome patients.
Abstract:
A retrospective survey of 147 patients with Down's syndrome (age range, 4 months to 27 years) showed that 60% had a thyrotropin (TSH) level higher than 5.7 mU/L in the presence of high or normal thyroxine levels. The remaining 40% of the group had low to normal TSH values. High TSH levels were predominant in patients under 4 years of age (94 children), ie, during the phase of active growth, and showed a declining trend with increasing age. All 94 infants had delayed growth of all parameters including head circumference, height, and weight, as compared with normal infants, and growth was particularly retarded in patients with TSH levels greater than 5.7 mU/L. Thyroid dysfunction, expressed as a high TSH concentration, is associated with growth retardation in children with Down's syndrome who are younger than 4 years.