THYROID DISORDERS DO AFFECT CHILDREN TOO!!!

Healthy thyroid gland is critical for normal body functioning in adults. This is also of paramount importance in infants and children as well. Normal growth and development of infants and children are dependent on adequate levels of thyroid hormones.

What is Thyroid gland and why is it important?

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that is situated in front part of your neck . It is essential for your body as it produces two hormones - thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) that are released into the blood. It acts as a control centre for your body. The hormones released by the gland are responsible for normal functioning of brain, muscles, heart and other organs, and help the body utilise energy adequately. Thyroid hormone plays an important role in development of brain during fetal life and in early childhood. The thyroid works like the thermostat in your house controlling the temperature. Any underactivity or overactivity of the gland will cause your metabolism to rev up of slow down.

How common are thyroid disorders in children?

About one in 2500 babies is born with an underactive thyroid, known as congenital hypothyroidism (CH). If thyroid hormone deficiency remains undetected in a newborn, it can result in permanent mental retardation. Acquired hypothyroidism has a prevalence of 7.7% in children and 4.9% in adolescents in our country.

Under (hypothyroidism) and over (hyperthyroidism) active thyroid disease can occur at any time in children and adults.

How do we screen for thyroid disorders in infancy?

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) has a very high incidence in India, where 1 in every 2000 babies can be affected. To prevent the long term morbidity of CH, it has been proposed to make Newborn Screening universal in India. Many centres have started screening newborns between day 3-7 of life, but it has still not reached the masses. It is one of the commonest causes of preventable mental retardation and if not picked up in neonatal period can lead to lifetime of morbidity.