EVALUATION OF THYROID DISEASES BY HORMONAL ANALYSIS IN PEDIATRIC AGE GROUP

Abstract

Introduction: Among endocrine disorders commonly encountered in pediatric age group, thyroid diseases are more frequent. Congenital hypothyroidism is one of the major problems in this age with worldwide incidence of 1:3000-4000 live birth and in India it is 1:2500-2800.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to know the prevalence of thyroid diseases in newborn and children by hormonal evaluation.

Methodology: We have studied 50 children suspected of having signs and symptoms of thyroid diseases. Hormonal evaluation was done by the estimation of serum TSH, T3 and T4.

Results: Out of total 50 children, 16 were detected with abnormal hormone level and diagnosed having thyroid diseases. Out of 16 affected children, 4 had congenital hypothyroidism (25%), 6 had subclinical or acquired hypothyroidism (37.5%), 3 had autoimmune thyroiditis (18.75%) and 3 had goiter with graves disease (18.75%).

Conclusion: Congenital hypothyroidism is one of the major preventable thyroid disease if diagnosed early. Other thyroid diseases commonly seen in pediatric age are subclinical hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis, goiter and rarely hyperthyroidism.