Prevalence, Spectrum, and Management of Thyroid Dysfunction in Children with Down Syndrome

A Retrospective Study from Southern Saudi Arabia

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15720163
AutoresYoussef A Alqahtani (0009-0001-8162-6288, King Khalid University), Ayed A Shati (0000-0003-0444-5595, King Khalid University), Ayoub Ali Alshaikh (0000-0001-6529-5506, King Khalid University), Ali Alshahrani (0000-0001-5460-3809, King Khalid University), Ali Thamer Alshahrani (King Khalid University), Salwa Qaed (King Khalid University), Salwa Abdullah Bin Qaed (0009-0008-1027-9726, King Khalid University), Manar Alqahtani (0009-0003-3124-1851, King Khalid University), Omar Ayidh Alotaibi (0009-0008-5366-3701, Shaqra University), M Alharthi (0009-0002-6664-5525, Shaqra University), Mohamed Sarhan (0000-0002-5070-3922, Zagazig University), Abdulaziz Mohammed Alrasheed (Shaqra University), Ramy Mohamed Ghazy (0000-0001-7611-706X, King Khalid University, autor de correspondencia)
Año2025
Volumen13
Número1
Páginas6-6
Fecha de publicación2025-12-19
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaChildren (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2227-9067 • E-ISSN: 2227-9067
EditorialMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/children13010006
PMID41597015
OpenAlexW4417498849
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas48

Background: Down syndrome (DS) is strongly associated with a high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction. International guidelines recommend regular screening to ensure early detection and management. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, spectrum, and management outcomes of thyroid dysfunction in children with DS in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of 106 children with DS from two major healthcare centers: Abha Maternity and Children Hospital and King Khalid University Medical Center. Data on demographics, clinical symptoms, thyroid function tests, autoimmune status, treatment, and follow-up patterns were collected and analyzed. Results: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 52.8%. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common disorder (46.4%), followed by autoimmune hypothyroidism (30.4%). Patients with thyroid dysfunction had a significantly higher symptom burden, particularly in metabolic, dermatological, and gastrointestinal domains ( p p Conclusions: Thyroid dysfunction is highly prevalent in the Southern Saudi children with DS, with subclinical hypothyroidism and autoimmune hypothyroidism being the most common types. Despite good screening adherence, there is a substantial need for improved treatment titration and long-term management to optimize patient outcomes in this population

Levothyroxine · Medical record · Odds ratio · Retrospective cohort study · Subclinical infection · Thyroid disorder · Thyroid dysfunction · Thyroid function tests · Diabetes and associated disorders · Down syndrome and intellectual disability research · Thyroid Disorders and Treatments