Congenital Hypothyroidism

New Graves disease in children research from University of Amsterdam discussed

Congenital Hypothyroidism Library Library Home This article was published in Life Science Weekly, which you can subscribe to online.

"The aim was to study the occurrence and pathogenesis of disintegrated thyroid glands in CH-C patients. Thyroid function was measured and thyroid ultrasound imaging was performed in 13 children with CH-C due to inadequately treated maternal Graves' disease after T(4)-supplementation withdrawal (group Aa). In addition, thyroid ultrasound imaging was performed in six children with CH-C born to inadequately treated mothers with Graves' disease, in whom T(4) supplementation was not withdrawn yet (group Ab) or never initiated (group Ac), in six euthyroid children born to adequately treated mothers with Graves' disease (group B), and in 10 T(4)-supplemented children with CH-C as part of multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (group C). Thyroid function and aspect (volume, echogenicity, echotexture) were measured. In group A, five children had developed thyroidal hypothyroidism characterized by persistently elevated TSH concentrations and exaggerated TSH responses after TRH stimulation. In the majority of patients in groups A and C, thyroid echogenicity and volume were decreased, and echotexture was inhomogeneous. Thyroid ultrasound imaging was normal in group B children. Inadequately treated maternal Graves' disease not only may lead to CH-C but also carries an, until now, unrecognized risk of thyroid disintegration in the offspring as well," wrote M.J. Kempers and colleagues, University of Amsterdam.

The researchers concluded: "We speculate that insufficient TSH secretion due to excessive maternal-fetal thyroid hormone transfer inhibits physiological growth and development of the child's thyroid."

Kempers and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (Loss of integrity of thyroid morphology and function in children born to mothers with inadequately treated Graves' disease. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2007;92(8):2984-91).

For additional information, contact M.J. Kempers, Emma Children's Hospital Academic Medical Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, G8-205, Dept. of Pediatric Endocrinology, PO Box 22700, 1100 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Publisher contact information for the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism is: Endocrine Society, 8401 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 900, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-5817, USA.

Keywords: Netherlands, Clinical Endocrinology, Diagnosis, Diagnostics, Endocrinology, Graves Disease, Graves' Disease, Metabolism.

This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com.