E03.9
DESCRIPTION
Acquired hypothyroidism in childhood and adolescents may be due to:
- auto-immune thyroiditis,
- goitrogen induced,
- iodine deficiency,
- post surgery,
- radioactive iodine,
- infiltrations,
- medicines, e.g. antiretrovirals.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
Clinical
- Low growth velocity or short stature with short limbs associated with a normal or elevated BMI.
- Subtle features with cold intolerance, dry skin, brittle hair, pallor and myxoedema.
Investigations
- Elevated TSH and low thyroxine levels.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
- Levothyroxine, oral, once daily on an empty stomach.
| 1 - 6 months | 8-10 mcg/kg |
| 6 - 12 months | 6-8 mcg/kg |
| 1 - 5 years | 5 - 6 mcg/kg |
| 6 - 12 years | 4 - 5 mcg/kg |
| Over 12 years | 2 - 3 mcg/kg |
REFERRAL
- All cases for investigation and initiation of therapy.