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Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Prospective Observational Study from Southern India

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Abstract

Objective

To assess the natural history and progression of subclinical hypothyroidism and to study factors which help predict evolution of subclinical hypothyroidism into overt hypothyroidism.

Methods

Longitudinal study in 40 children (2-16 yrs) presenting with subclinical hypothyroidism in a tertiary care unit in Chennai, India. Patients showing evidence of overt hypothyroidism or thyroid stimulating hormone ≥15 mIU/mL during follow-up were started on thyroxine. Others were followed up with 3-monthly thyroid function tests up to one year.

Results

At the end of our study period 3 (7.5%) were overtly hypothyroid, 16 (40%) remained as subclinical hypothyroid, and 21 (52.5%) became euthyroid. Evidence of autoimmunity at baseline was a significant (P<0.05) risk factor for progression to overt hypothyroidism.

Conclusions

Subclinical hypothyroidism in children, with thyroid stimulating hormone upto 15 mIU/L and irrespective of thyroid autoimmunity, needs only periodic clinical and biochemical follow up. Thyroid autoimmunity may point to an increased probability of progression to overt hypothyroidism.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Apollo Children’s Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

    Mathrubootham Sridhar & Latha Vishwanathan

  2. Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Apollo Children’s Hospital, No. 15, Shafee Mohammed Road, Thousand Lights, Chennai, 600 006, Tamil Nadu, India

    Shriraam Mahadevan & Anbezhil Subbarayan

Authors
  1. Mathrubootham Sridhar
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  2. Shriraam Mahadevan
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  3. Latha Vishwanathan
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  4. Anbezhil Subbarayan
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Correspondence to Shriraam Mahadevan.

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Sridhar, M., Mahadevan, S., Vishwanathan, L. et al. Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Prospective Observational Study from Southern India. Indian Pediatr 55, 219–221 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-018-1321-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-018-1321-5

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