Prevalence of Hypothyroidism and Growth Outcomes Among Patients with Down Syndrome
https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.041.S1
- Author:
Siti Nur Khairiah Bt Mohd Rozali
1
;
Suhaimi Hussain
2
;
Surini Yusoff
3
Author Information
1. Department of Paediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia; Hospital Miri
2. Department of Paediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia;Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia
3. Department of Paediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Humans;
Down Syndrome;
Prevalence;
Hypothyroidism
- From:
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies
2026;41(S1):137-
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Children with Down syndrome (DS) have a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism compared to the general population, and both conditions are linked to impaired growth.
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and subtypes
of hypothyroidism in DS and to compare growth outcomes
with controls from general population at 2 years of age.
Methodology:A retrospective review was conducted on 248 children
with DS (aged 2–18 years) followed at Hospital Pakar
Universiti Sains Malaysia from 2020 to 2025. Growth
outcomes were analyzed in a subgroup of 41 DS children
with hypothyroidism compared to 46 controls. Growth
was compared using standard CDC charts for and z -scores
calculated with PediTools (CDC 2–20 age). Mid-parental
height, target height attainment, and height velocity were
evaluated. Statistical analysis used t-tests and chi-square
tests (p <0.05).
Results:Of the 248 children with DS, 63.7% had hypothyroidism,
predominantly subclinical (85.4%). No cases of acquired or
secondary hypothyroidism were found. Children with DS
had significantly lower mean height z-scores (−1.91 ± 1.45
vs. −0.54 ± 1.25; p <0.001), borderline lower height velocity
(5.80 ± 2.15 vs. 6.92 ± 3.56 cm/year; p = 0.050), and fewer
achieved target height (35% vs. 64.1%; p = 0.030) compared
to controls. Baseline characteristics were similar between
groups. Thyroid ultrasound showed normal anatomy in
50%, hypoplasia in 28.6%, and nodules in 21.4%.
Common comorbidities included congenital heart disease
(78.4%), pulmonary complications (16.2%), and other
anomalies (32.4%).
Conclusion:Subclinical hypothyroidism was the predominant subtype
in DS. Affected children demonstrated poorer growth, with
reduced height z-scores, slower growth velocity, and lower
likelihood of achieving target height.
- Full text:2026081008564530196EP_P005.pdf
