Hypothyroidism in children and adolescents

Abstract

Hypothyroidism is a term that describes insufficient levels or absolute lack of thyroid hormone in an individual. Congenital hypothyroidism describes a condition of insufficient or absent thyroid hormone in a neonate or an infant and is usually caused by abnormal development of the thyroid gland. This could be due to absence of the gland, or the migration of the gland to a different site during the period of early development. It could also result from poor development or formation of the gland. In some cases the gland is present but is unable to make thyroid hormone. In most cases, congenital hypothyroidism is detected by newborn screening tests. Although there are other numerous causes of hypothyroidism in children and adolescents, such as surgical removal of the gland, this article focuses on acquired hypothyroidism (diminished or absent thyroid hormone production after infancy).