HYPOTHYROID AND GOITR IN CHILDREN
The thyroid gland is an internal secretion gland located in the lower part of the neck and responsible for the production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones have effects on almost all cells of our body. It plays an active role in the regulation of metabolic rate, the cardiovascular system, fetal and neonatal brain development, and growth and development in childhood. Underactive thyroid gland is called hypothyroidism, and enlargement of the gland is called goiter.
Thyroid gland disorders can occur at any age, starting from birth. In our country, every newborn baby is screened for congenital hypothyroidism with a heel blood sample. If hypothyroidism is not diagnosed early, it can cause mental retardation in children. In other words, early diagnosis and treatment prevents mental retardation. For this reason, every case with a disorder in thyroid hormones must be evaluated by a specialist physician.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism cases that occur after the neonatal period is iodine deficiency. Goiter may be seen in these cases. Another common cause of hypothyroidism and goiter, especially during adolescence, is Hashimoto's thyroiditis (autoimmune thyroiditis). Hashimoto's thyroiditis is more common in girls and in cases whose families have the same disease. In diagnosed cases, symptoms such as delay in growth and development, constipation, weakness, learning difficulties, dry skin, chills, and menstrual irregularity may be observed.
In addition to thyroid hormones, autoantibody levels, thyroid gland ultrasonography, and thyroid scintigraphy are used in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases. Methods such as these can be used in cases where an indication is given.
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