TITLE:
Hypothyroidism in Childhood and Adolescence
AUTHORS:
Deise Dutra Terra Carvalho, Denise Rosso Tenório Wanderley Rocha, Alberto Krayyem Arbex
KEYWORDS:
Thyroid Gland, Neonatal Screening, Hypothyroidism, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Juvenile Hypothyroidism, Levothyroxine
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases,
Vol.6 No.1,
January
21,
2016
ABSTRACT: Juvenile hypothyroidism is
an unfrequent form of hypothyroidism that affects children. If not diagnosed
and treated properly, it may cause severe neurological disorders during growth.
The most frequent difficulties are found in school performance, difficulties in
concentration, hyperactivity or fatigue and damage on the onset of puberty.
Starting levothyroxine as a drug of choice is essential, and it should be made
according to the age and weight of the child. Laboratory tests for control
should be requested periodically, along with a strict control of the child’s
development and growth. The family-doctor relationship, along with a clear
guidance on the importance of treatment, is critical to achieve a successful
treatment. This article is a review about the main clinical features of
hypothyroidism in childhood, especially in developing countries, providing key
aspects of adherence and characteristics of its follow-up.