ESPE Abstracts

Hypothyroidism is the most frequent thyroid abnormality in DS. It can be either congenital, with or acquired at any age after birth. It can be clinical or subclinical disorder. More evidence is required regarding the progressive development of thyroid dysfunction with age.

Aim and Methods: We measured thyroid function (Free T4 and TSH) and Anti TPO level in 37 infants with DS at birth, during their first year and after ~ 2.5 years of age. Their linear growth (Length (L), weight (Wt), LSDS, BMI and BMISDS were measured and analyzed in relation to their thyroid function. Overt hypothyroidism was diagnosed with (low Free thyroxine [FT4] (<9pmol/L) and increased thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] levels >10 μIU/ml); and subclinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed with (normal FT4, and TSH between > 15 μIU/ml at birth and > 10 μIU/ml during infancy and childhood)

Results:

Discussion: The incidence of thyroid dysfunction in our infants with DS at birth was 1:37 ( 2.7%) was higher than the reported incidence in other studies and compared with an incidence of congenital hypothyroidism in our country ( 1: 2150) among newborns without DS. There was a progressive increase in thyroid dysfunction in our DS children especially during the first year of their life. At an average of 2.7 years ~ 40% of them had thyroid dysfunction. At this age 3/37 had positive Anti-TPO; two of them had thyroid dysfunction. Females had more thyroid dysfunction versus males (11/15 versus 4/15 respectively)

Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction is common in infants with DS especially developing during the first year of life. Early management of thyroid dysfunction is associated with normal linear growth compared to those with normal thyroid function.