A Review of Thyroid Disorders in Children

Pediatric practitioners must consider the possibility of thyroid disorders as they evaluate their patients. Investigators have now provided a concise review of diagnostic and treatment recommendations. Highlights are as follows:

Congenital hypothyroidism

• Newborns are usually asymptomatic.

• False-positive newborn screens can occur if obtained <48 hours following birth.

• Acutely ill and high-risk newborns should be screened 2 to 6 weeks postnatally.

• Ultrasonography can identify hypoplasia, but thyroid scintigraphy is the best imaging study to find ectopic tissue.

• Thyroid replacement therapy should begin at ≤2 weeks of age.

Acquired hypothyroidism

• Hashimoto thyroiditis is the most common cause in the U.S.

• Iodine deficiency is the most common cause global…