Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
Thyroid function screening and follow-up of children with abdominal distension in Nanjing, China: a cross-sectional
Hang Xie1, Dongmei Chen2, Wei Gu3
1Department of Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
Insights
Pediatricians should screen for thyroid dysfunction in children with abdominal distension. Many cases of thyroid issues resolve without levothyroxine (LT-4) treatment, emphasizing the need for careful follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Abdominal distension is a common pediatric complaint.
- Thyroid dysfunction can manifest with gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal distension.
- Early identification and management of thyroid disorders are crucial for child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of thyroid function test abnormalities in children presenting with abdominal distension.
- To evaluate the outcomes of thyroid dysfunction management in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1089 children with abdominal distension.
- Thyroid function tests were performed.
- Follow-up data on treatment and outcomes were collected for children diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction.
Main Results:
- Thyroid dysfunction was identified in a notable percentage of children, particularly those with Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) and functional abdominal distension.
- A significant number of children with abnormal thyroid function normalized without specific treatment, while others received levothyroxine (LT-4).
- Short-term LT-4 treatment was discontinued in most cases, with spontaneous resolution observed in many.
Conclusions:
- Pediatricians should maintain a high index of suspicion for thyroid dysfunction in children with unexplained abdominal distension.
- Thyroid function monitoring and follow-up are recommended over immediate, short-term levothyroxine (LT-4) administration.
- Further research may clarify optimal management strategies for pediatric thyroid dysfunction presenting with abdominal symptoms.
Objective:
To describe the thyroid function test among children with abdominal distention and to follow up the treatment received by children with abnormal thyroid function.
Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Setting And Participants:
A total of 1089 children (median age:30 days (IQR=21-60 days) with abdominal distension were included in this single centre study in Nanjing, China.
Result:
Thyroid dysfunction was found in 43 of 148 Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) cases, with 3 (2.03%) having hypothyroidism, 3 (2.03%) having subclinical hypothyroidism and 3 (2.03%) having subclinical hyperthyroidism. Thyroid dysfunction was found in 206 of 941 functional abdominal distension cases, with 4 (0.43%) having hypothyroidism, 23 (2.4%) having subclinical hypothyroidism, 28 (2.9%) having subclinical hyperthyroidism and 1 (0.11%) having hyperthyroidism. Among total 65 cases (9 from HSCR, 56 from functional abdominal distension) diagnosed with thyroid diseases, 12 were treated with levothyroxine (LT-4), of which 9 were discontinued treatment at about 2 years old, and 3 were still receiving LT-4. Thirty-two cases received no treatment and thyroid function returned to normal in about 1 month. Twenty-one cases were lost during the follow-up.
Conclusion:
The paediatrician should be vigilant for hypothyroidism when dealing with children with abdominal distension. Thyroid function should be followed up rather than simply administering a short-term levothyroxine treatment.
