Morphological and Functional Assessment of Thyroid in Individuals with Down Syndrome

Abstract

AbstractIndividuals with Down’s syndrome (DS) present increased risk for thyroid dysfunction, especially hypothyroidism, due in increased expression of the DYRK1A gene.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to make a morphological-functional thyroid assessment in individuals with DS.Materials and MethodsThis is a descriptive cross-sectional study, consisting of 29 individuals with DS, with a mean age of 12,3 ± 9,5 (0.66 – 36.00) years, 16 women (55.2%) and 13 men (44.8%), with a morphological-functional thyroid assessment being made comprising hormonal dose (Free T4, TSH), antithyroid antibody (TPOAb and TgAb) and ultrasonography of the thyroid.ResultsTwenty-three (79.3%) individuals presented normal thyroid function while 6 (20.7%) presented with thyroid dysfunction, 4 with hypothyroidism and 2 with hyperthyroidism. Autoimmune thyroiditis and goiter were present in 27.6% of the individuals.ConclusionThyroid function should be assessed periodically in individuals with DS, in view of the high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction, especially autoimmune thyroiditis with consequent hypothyroidism.