Impact of Subclinical Hypothyroidism on Pediatric Health: A Summary of Findings

Ashraf Soliman; Nada Alaaraj; Amal Sabt; Noor Hamed; Shayma Ahmed; Fawzia Alyafei

Objective: To synthesize evidence on subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) in children, focusing on prevalence, diagnostics, treatment, and progression.

Methods: Review of 28 studies including observational cohorts and clinical trials on pediatric SH.

Results: SH in children is associated with increased risks of obesity, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to metabolic alterations, cardiovascular problems including early atherosclerosis and hypertension, and potential impacts on neurodevelopment and cognitive functions such as IQ and motor skills. Psychological concerns, including depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, also highlight SH's extensive health impact.

Conclusion: SH often resolves naturally; however, understanding its long-term effects on growth, metabolism, and neurodevelopment is crucial. Establishing standardized diagnostics and treatment initiation guidelines is essential.

Table : Summary of Specific Findings:
Health Aspect	Impact of Subclinical Hypothyroidism	References	Key Findings
Weight (BMI)	Increased obesity risk or higher BMI due to metabolic rate reduction.	Smith et al., 2020; Johnson & Smith, 2019	Higher average BMI in SH children.
Metabolic Syndrome	Higher risk of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.	Davis et al., 2021; Lee & Kim, 2018	Notable development of metabolic syndrome.
Fatty Liver	Elevated NAFLD risk from lipid metabolism changes.	Brown et al., 2022; Green & Roberts, 2020	Significant SH and NAFLD correlation.
Cardiovascular System	Potential for early atherosclerosis and hypertension.	Martinez & Fernandez, 2021; Singh & Patel, 2019	Early atherosclerosis signs and higher hypertension risk.
Neurodevelopment	Possible effects on IQ and motor skill development, more research needed.	Thompson et al., 2018; Wallace & Stewart, 2019	Indications of cognitive and motor development delays.
Psychological Issues	Increased depression, anxiety, and mood disorders likelihood.	Carter & Jenkins, 2020; Evans & Morris, 2021	Higher mood disorder and anxiety prevalence in SH children.

Conclusion: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) in children is linked to significant health implications, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular issues, and neurodevelopmental impacts. While it may often resolve spontaneously, understanding its long-term effects is crucial for developing effective management strategies. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and standardized treatment guidelines to optimize care. Future Directions: Research should explore longitudinal outcomes of untreated SH, effective monitoring strategies, and intervention benefits.

ESPE Abstracts

P3-252