Frequency and Risk Factors of Hypothyroidism in Children with Down Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of hypothyroidism in children with Down Syndrome attending out-patients department of National Institute of Child Health, Karachi.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on Down Syndrome patients visiting for various clinical the  problems and regular follow-up in outpatient department of National Institute of Child Health, Karachi from 12 th September 2016 to 13 March 2017. All children of Down syndrome aged between 1 month to 5 years and of either gender was consecutively enrolled. Venous blood sample was drawn (4 ml) to investigate the T4 and TSH levels. Outcome variable (hypothyroidism) was noted. 

Results: Of 104 children, the median age was 2 (1-4) years. There were 58 (56%) females and 46 (44%) males. Mean 2 weight, height and BMI was 10 (6-13) kg, 74 (64-83) cm and 16.6 (14.35-18.30) kg/m respectively. Frequency of hypothyroidism was found in 16 (15.4%) of the children. Hypothyroidism was significantly associated with age (p-value 0.030), BMI (p-value 0.009), and presence of gastrointestinal anomalies (p-value <0.001) of the children.

Conclusion: Hypothyroidism was found considerably higher in our cohort of Down syndrome's children. Moreover, age, BMI and presence of gastrointestinal anomalies were observed as significantly associated determinants