A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Thyroid Function in Infants and Children in a City from South-Western Romania

Corina Maria Vasile1,2, Alice Elena Ghenea3, Anca Loredana Udriştoiu4

  • 1PhD School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania.

Insights

Pediatric thyroid disorders, including autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism, are common. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing developmental issues in children with thyroid dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Thyroidology
  • Child Health

Background:

  • Thyroid hormones regulate critical bodily functions including growth, metabolism, and nervous system development.
  • Thyroid disorders are the most common endocrinopathies in childhood, presenting differently than in adults.
  • Early diagnosis and management of thyroid dysfunction in neonates are vital to prevent irreversible neurological damage and developmental delays.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function, structure, and prevalence of thyroid problems in children.
  • To analyze the specific etiological factors and clinical presentations of thyroid disorders in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • A study was conducted on 30 children under 16 years old presenting with thyroid-related symptoms.
  • Data collected included demographic and family history, thyroid ultrasounds, and blood tests for triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Main Results:

  • Females represented a slight majority of the study group (2.33:1 ratio).
  • The prevalence of diagnosed conditions included autoimmune thyroiditis (46.7%), hypothyroidism (26.7%), subclinical hypothyroidism (13.3%), congenital hypothyroidism (6.67%), and hyperthyroidism (3.33%), with one case of Graves' disease.

Conclusions:

  • Thyroid dysfunction in children requires specialized understanding due to unique etiological and clinical features.
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism are significant concerns in the pediatric population studied.
  • Further research into pediatric thyroid disorders is warranted to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

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