Pattern and Predictors of Thyroid Dysfunction among Pediatric Endocrine Referrals at the Tertiary Care Center of Northern India: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Abstract Postiodization era has experienced a change in pediatric thyroid disorders with autoimmune disorders and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) now more frequently diagnosed. The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical spectrum of thyroid disorders among children referred to us, to ascertain characteristics that influence treatment, and to follow them for various outcome measures. An observational longitudinal study where all treatment-naïve children (<18 years) with suspected thyroid disorders were recruited. Data collected were anthropometry, serum TSH, TT4, TT3, antithyroid autoantibodies, family history, and clinical symptoms. The management was based on the clinical judgment of the endocrinologist with the first follow-up at six weeks and subsequent visits three monthly for one year. A total of 241 subjects aged 28 days to 17 years were included. Overall, SCH was the most common abnormality (39%) detected among subjects, followed by overt hypothyroidism (OH) (33%), congenital hypothyroidism (CH) (18%), and overt thyrotoxicosis (5%). A total of 85.5% (n = 204) of subjects were treated and in follow-up, 81% of them were found to be adequately managed. Comparative analysis of OH and SCH revealed pubertal age, female predominance, and the presence of autoimmunity (positive anti-TPO and anti-TG Ab) statically significant variables in the OH group. A major independent predictor of treatment in treated SCH (72/96) in comparison with nontreated SCH (24/96) was anti-TPO positivity (P = 0.029). Eight of 24 nontreated SCH were eventually treated in follow-up and positive family history was observed as a significant variable among them (P < 0.05). Subjects with CH presented at a mean age of 6 months (28 days to 2 years). However, guidelines for the management of SCH are still evolving, autoimmunity and positive family history should be considered as decisive factors while initializing treatment. Delayed presentation of CH in our study warrants active surveillance of children at birth for thyroid disorders for their mental well-being.