Growth in thyroid disorders in childhood and adolescence. Thyroid dysfunction and growth

Bettendorf M, Binder G, Hauffa BP, Pohlenz J, Rohrer TR, Schöfl C, Dörr HG (2016)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2016

Journal

Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde Springer Verlag (Germany)

Book Volume: 164

Pages Range: 689-696

Journal Issue: 8

Abstract

Disorders of the thyroid function of mother and child can not only irreversibly inhibit maturation of the central nervous system, but may also affect growth and puberty. Review of the consequences of thyroid function disorders on the growth of children and adolescents and the relevance of adequate treatment. This article summarises the current literature concerning the effect of thyroid hormone disorders of mother and child and their therapy on growth. Every untreated manifestation of congenital or acquired hypothyroidism is associated with a delay of growth and skeletal maturation. In children presenting with acquired hyperthyroidism, height is shifted towards higher values and skeletal maturation is accelerated. Approximately 20 % of children and adolescents with Down syndrome develop primary hypothyroidism, frequently manifesting within the first months of life (approximately 5.5 %). Adequate treatment of the thyroid disorder can normalise growth disorders. About 6 % of children with growth hormone deficiency develop abnormally low free thyroxin (fT4) levels in serum during growth hormone treatment due to increased conversion of T4 to T3. There is no indication for treatment after excluding secondary hypothyroidism. Early diagnosis and timely, adequate treatment of thyroid function disorders of mother and child are essential to achieving growth that is as age-appropriate as possible in affected children and adolescents.

Authors with CRIS profile

Christof Schöfl Professur für Endokrinologie Helmuth-Günther Dörr Medizinische Fakultät

Involved external institutions

Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz DE Germany (DE) Universität Duisburg-Essen (UDE) DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes (UKS) DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Tübingen DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Bettendorf, M., Binder, G., Hauffa, B.P., Pohlenz, J., Rohrer, T.R., Schöfl, C., & Dörr, H.-G. (2016). Growth in thyroid disorders in childhood and adolescence. Thyroid dysfunction and growth. Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde, 164(8), 689-696.

MLA:

Bettendorf, M., et al. "Growth in thyroid disorders in childhood and adolescence. Thyroid dysfunction and growth." Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde 164.8 (2016): 689-696.

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