Acquired and Congenital Hypothyroidism Flashcards
What are the 2 causes of hypothyroidism in children?
Congenital
Acquired
What is the thyroid hormone essential for?
Development and functioning of the brain and body.
What can undiagnosed hypothyroidism lead to?
Significant problems with neurodevelopment and intellectual disability.
What is congenital hypothyroidism?
Child is born with an underactive thyroid gland
What are the causes of congenital hypothyroidism?
- An underdeveloped thyroid gland
* A fully developed gland that does not produce enough hormone
How is congenital hypothyroidism diagnosed?
New born blood spot screening test at day 5-7
Increased TSH
How can congenital hypothyroidism present if it isn’t picked up at birth?
- prolonged neonatal jaundice
- delayed mental & physical milestones
- short stature
- puffy face, macroglossia
- consipation
- hypotonia
What is acquired hypothyroidism?
a child or adolescent develops an underactive thyroid gland- did function normally
What is the main cause of acquired hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis- autoimmune thyroiditis
What does Hashimoto’s thyroiditis result in?
Autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland and under activity of the gland
What antibodies is acquired hypothyroidism associated with?
- Antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies
* Antithyroglobulin antibodies.
Which conditions is acquired hypothyroidism associated with?
Other autoimmune conditions- type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease.
How can acquired hypothyroidism present?
- Fatigue and low energy
- Poor growth
- Weight gain
- Poor school performance
- Constipation
- Dry skin and hair loss
What investigation would you do for acquired hypothyroidism?
- Full thyroid function blood tests (TSH, T3 and T4)
- Thyroid ultrasound
- Thyroid antibodies.
What is the management of hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine
