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Thyroid autoimmunity in children and adolescents with alopecia areata
Author(s) -
Kurtev Alexander,
Iliev Emil
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2005.01971.x
Subject(s) - medicine , thyroid , alopecia areata , endocrinology , anti thyroid autoantibodies , triiodothyronine , thyroid function , thyroid function tests , thyroiditis , hormone , autoantibody , autoimmune thyroiditis , antibody , immunology
Background Autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) is often associated with alopecia areata (AA) in children and adolescents. Methods Forty‐six children (23 girls and 23 boys), with a mean age of 9.9 ± 3.38 years (2.24–17.5 years), were included in a study to assess thyroid function and thyroid autoantibody formation in AA. The size and function of the thyroid gland [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) test; fluoroimmunologic assay (FIA), Delfia], antithyroglobulin (TAT) and antimicrosomal (MAT) antibodies (microhemagglutination method), thyroid gland ultrasound, and indices of cellular and humoral immunity were assessed. Results Thyromegaly was found in 29 children (63%). Increased basal TSH levels were present in six of the 29 (13.3%) and hypothyroid‐type stimulated secretion (TRH test) in two (out of 12). TAT was increased in 17 (39.5%) and MAT in 14 (33.3%) children with AA. Thyroid ultrasound examination was suggestive of AT in 13 (34.2%) and typical of AT in five (13.2%) children. Conclusions We diagnosed AT in 22 of 46 children with AA (47.8%). The immune studies revealed increased activated T lymphocytes. We recommend that thyroid gland size and function and antibody formation be examined at the diagnosis of AA and twice a year thereafter.