Hypothyroidism in children is a disease that is characterized by a decrease in thyroid function or its complete absence. Hypothyroidism can occur in children of any age. It can be the primary congenital, transient or subclinical.
Congenital hypothyroidism in children
The causes of congenital hypothyroidism can be genetic mutations in the process of formation of the thyroid gland during the period of gestation, violation of the formation of hormones of the gland. A child with congenital hypothyroidism in the womb in the process of development receives thyroid hormones from the mother. Immediately after birth, the level of hormones in the child's body quickly decreases. The thyroid gland of the newborn does not cope with the function of producing hormones, and this affects the development of the child. In the first place suffers the cortex of his brain.
Signs and symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism in children
Often in newborns, this disease does not appear in the first weeks after the appearance of the baby, only in some infants the signs of congenital hypothyroidism are immediately visible:
- at birth, the mass is more than 3500 g;
- face swollen;
- umbilical hernia;
- swollen abdomen;
- the mouth is half open;
- protracted jaundice;
- a rough voice when weep.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism that occur in children in 3-4 months:
- decreased appetite
- constipation
- skin peeling
- low temperature.
Later signs:
- teeth late erupt;
- lag in development.
It is worth noting that identifying hypothyroidism early in life only when certain symptoms are detected is quite problematic. This task is better handled early screening, which is done by all newborns. Children still in the hospital for 3-4 days take blood from the heel to determine the content of the hormone.
Treatment of congenital hypothyroidism
If you notice and start to treat hypothyroidism in time, then there are no consequences - there will be no backlog in physical and mental development. The main treatment is performed with the help of substitution therapy. This will increase the oxygen demand of tissues, promote the growth and development of the child's body. Such treatment should be started no later than a month from the moment of birth. The effectiveness of such treatment is quite high. Reduction in the manifestation of symptoms of hypothyroidism is observed after 1 to 2 weeks of therapy. Remember that the treatment occurs only under the vigilant control of the endocrinologist!
Subclinical hypothyroidism in children
It is often diagnosed during a preventive examination. He does not express any obvious signs, therefore, most often does not require special treatment, unless, of course, there is a pronounced deficiency of the thyroid hormone. In this case, constant monitoring by the doctor is necessary so that there are no complications of the disease.
Transitory hypothyroidism in children
This form of the disease in newborns is more common in those regions where iodine deficiency is fixed. Also, transient hypothyroidism occurs in children who have not fully formed the thyroid gland. Risk groups:
- premature babies;
- newborns with low birth weight;
- with intrauterine viral or bacterial infections;
- children whose mothers during pregnancy did not take the necessary iodine-containing drugs.
In order to protect future children from this disease, all mothers with a diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism simply need a correction of the hormone levels before the planned pregnancy. Treatment of hypothyroidism should not be interrupted during the pregnancy itself.