Factors Affecting Thyroid Volume in Children Aged 4 to 18 Years

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Biometrics

Background:

• Thyroid volume measurement via ultrasound is not standard practice in children without thyroid issues.
• Understanding normal pediatric thyroid volume is crucial for early detection and management of thyroid disorders.
• This study addresses the need for normative data and influencing factors for pediatric thyroid volume.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing thyroid volume in children aged 4 to 18 years.
• To establish descriptive data for thyroid volume across this pediatric age range.
• To aid pediatricians in interpreting thyroid ultrasound measurements.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, non-interventional, cross-sectional study of 100 children (aged 4-18) without diagnosed thyroid disorders.
• Utilized validated formulas incorporating organ dimensions (length, width, depth) and correction factors for thyroid volume calculation.
• Employed correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression to analyze relationships between thyroid volume and various predictors.

Main Results:

• Significant positive correlations found between thyroid volume and age, height, weight, BMI, body surface area, serum creatinine, birthweight, and comorbidities.
• Calcitonin showed a negative correlation with thyroid volume.
• Age, BMI, and serum creatinine were identified as significant independent positive predictors of thyroid volume.

Conclusions:

• Age, body mass index (BMI), and serum creatinine are significant independent predictors of thyroid volume in children.
• These factors are essential considerations for accurate interpretation of pediatric thyroid ultrasound measurements.
• This research provides valuable data for routine pediatric thyroid assessments.