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Height improvement by L ‐thyroxinetreatment in subclinical hypothyroidism
Author(s) -
Cetinkaya Ergun,
Aslan Ayse Tana,
Vidinlisan Sadi,
Ocal Gonul
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
pediatrics international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.49
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1442-200X
pISSN - 1328-8067
DOI - 10.1046/j.1442-200x.2003.01786.x
Subject(s) - medicine , short stature , subclinical infection , hormone , anthropometry , thyroid stimulating hormone , endocrinology , thyroid , pediatrics , gastroenterology
Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism(SH) is most commonly an early stage of hypothyroidism. Althoughthe condition may resolve or remain unchanged, within a few yearsin some patients overt hypothyroidism develops, with low free T4levels as well as a raised thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Patientswith SH may have subtle hypothyroid symptoms with mild abnormalitiesof serum lipoproteins and cardiac functions. L ‐thyroxinein a dosage that maintains serum TSH levels within the normal rangeis the preferred therapy in these patients. Although short statureis a well‐known clinical sign of overt hypothyroidism,the effect of SH in growth is not well established. The aim of thepresent study is to show the effect of treatment on height in thesepatients.Methods: In the present study, 2067 patientswho were admitted to the Endocrinology Department of SSK AnkaraChildren's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, with the complaintof short stature were evaluated and 39 were diagnosed with SH bythyrotropin releasing hormone stimulation test. The anthropometricdata of the patients who were subdivided into two groups (prepubertaland pubertal) were analyzed before and after 6−12 months of L ‐thyroxine treatment. Growth velocity (GV) and GV standard deviation score(GVSDS) of the groups before and after the treatment were statisticallyanalyzed.Results: Both groups showed significantincreases in GV and GVSDS by L ‐thyroxinetreatment.Conclusion: Patients with short staturehave to be evaluated for SH in addition to other potential causes. L ‐thyroxinetreatment in these patients provides significant improvement inheight.