Hypothyroidism Flashcards
What is the primary condition characterized by retardation of physical and mental development?
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can lead to various symptoms affecting growth and development.
List three physical characteristics of individuals with hypothyroidism.
- Stunted growth
- Short extremities
- Coarse and brittle hair
What voice characteristic is commonly associated with hypothyroidism?
Hoarse voice
What are common clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism in infants?
- Prolongation of physiological jaundice
- Feeding difficulties
- Choking spells
- Lack of interest in the environment
- Respiratory difficulties
By what age is the clinical picture of hypothyroidism fully developed?
3-6 months of age
What temperature and skin conditions are often observed in hypothyroidism?
- Subnormal temperature
- Cold extremities
- Mottled skin
What is the most common defect associated with congenital hypothyroidism?
Defective synthesis of thyroxine
What is the prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism in girls compared to boys?
Twice as common in girls
Name the types of congenital hypothyroidism.
- Sporadic
- Familial
- Goitrous
- Non-goitrous
What laboratory investigations are used to assess hypothyroidism?
- TSH
- T4
- T3
- Scintigraphy with radioactive iodine uptake
What is the primary aetiology of congenital hypothyroidism?
Thyroid dysgenesis
What transient condition may occur due to maternal antibodies inhibiting TSH?
Thyrotropin receptor-blocking antibody
What clinical signs may be present in infants with congenital hypothyroidism?
- Slow pulse
- Heart murmurs
- Cardiomegaly
- Asymptomatic pericardial effusion
What typical facial features are associated with congenital hypothyroidism?
- Puffy face
- Swollen eyelids
- Widely separated eyes
- Broad nose with depressed nasal bridge
- Open mouth with thick protuberant tongue
What are the two types of acquired hypothyroidism?
- Deficient production of thyroid hormone (Type 1)
- Defect in thyroid hormonal receptor activity (Type 2)
True or False: Gross mental retardation is usually present in acquired hypothyroidism.
False
What appearance may a child with acquired hypothyroidism exhibit?
Myxedematous appearance
What is the treatment of choice for hypothyroidism?
Thyroxin
What is the recommended dose of thyroxin for neonates?
10-15 microg/kg/day
What should be monitored in patients receiving treatment for hypothyroidism?
- Clinical symptoms
- Gain in height
- Activity
- Improvement in mental performance
- Periodic thyroid function tests
What imaging studies should be performed annually to assess bone age in hypothyroidism?
X-rays of bones
