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Published on: December 31, 2015
Transient central hypothyroidism as a cause of failure to thrive in newborns and infants
R Jain1, R M Isaac, M E Gottschalk
1Department of Pediatrics, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL.
Insights
Early diagnosis of central hypothyroidism in infants is crucial for development. Two cases of transient central hypothyroidism, previously unreported, showed improvement with L-T4 therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neonatology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Central hypothyroidism in infants presents diagnostic challenges.
- Failure to thrive is a key clinical sign in affected neonates and infants.
Observation:
- Describes the clinical course of two neonates and one 4-month-old infant with central hypothyroidism.
- All infants exhibited failure to thrive, a common symptom requiring investigation.
Findings:
- Laboratory and clinical evidence confirmed central hypothyroidism in all three infants.
- Treatment with Levothyroxine (L-T4) therapy led to significant improvement in all cases.
- Two infants were diagnosed with transient central hypothyroidism of hypothalamic origin, a novel finding.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of early recognition and intervention for central hypothyroidism in newborns and infants.
- Emphasizes maximizing growth and developmental potential through timely L-T4 treatment.
- Reports a previously undocumented form of transient central hypothyroidism, advancing understanding of thyroid disorders.
Abstract:
The course of two neonates and one 4-month-old infant with laboratory and clinical evidence of central hypothyroidism is described. All three presented with failure to thrive and improved after L-T4 therapy. Early recognition and treatment of newborns and infants with central hypothyroidism is important to maximize the potential for growth and development. Two of the three infants have been documented to have transient central hypothyroidism of hypothalamic origin, not previously reported.
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