Evaluation of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism in Children Below Five Year of Age Residing in Lahore

Abstract


 
 
 
 Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism occur due to insufficient production and over production of thyroid hormones. Identification of thyroid diseases at neonatal and developing years enable physicians to treat thyroid dysfunction at the appropriate time and correspondingly aid to find hyperthyroidism in children below 3.5 year of age which is rare in children below five years of age. Objectives: 1To determine hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in children below 5 years of age by a biochemical screening of FT3, FT4, and TSH in the blood sample. 2Determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in children. Methods: 5ml blood samples were collected from hypothyroid and hyperthyroid children. Blood samples were centrifuged. Levels of FT4 and FT3 in the serum was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and level of TSH was determined by immuno-radiometric Assay (IRMA). Samples were analyzed, by computerized gamma counter. Thyroid hormone level distribution was analyzed by using Chi-Square and T-Test. Results: Sixty five children were selected for the study, 34 male and 31 female children. Among 13 abnormal children, 4 (30.8%) were hyperthyroid because of their TSH level < 0.3 mIU/L and remaining 9 (69.2%) children were hypothyroid there TSH > 5.0 mIU/L. Goiter was found in three children which is a rare entity in children below 5 years of age. The goiter was found in children who had hypothyroidism. Conclusion: There was no significant age difference between hypothyroid and hyperthyroid children. The prevalence of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism was more in female as compared to male but the difference was not significant. There was no significant difference in the normal concentration of serum of thyroid hormone between male and female children.