Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part D (2024)

Introduction: Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is the most common thyroid disorder in children, characterized by thyroid autoantibodies and variable thyroid dysfunction. AIT involves a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, with an incidence of approximately 1-2% in the pediatric population. Although frequently diagnosed during adolescence, AIT can be present at any age and is the leading cause of acquired hypothyroidism in this age group.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients diagnosed with AIT at a tertiary-level hospital between December 2010 and December 2020. Inclusion criteria included patients under 19 years of age with positive thyroid antibodies (anti-TPO and/or anti-TG). Hospital records were analyzed to collect demographic, clinical, analytical, and imaging data, as well as information on treatment and follow-up.
Results: Out of 318 children, 17 were excluded due to insufficient data. The final sample consisted of 301 patients, with an average age of 11.6 years, 82,7% were female. The most common presentations were cervical abnormalities and weight variations. Family history of thyroid disease was noted in 43.2% of cases. Positive anti-TPO antibodies were present at 81.1%. Thyroid ultrasound revealed heterogeneous patterns in 80.5%. Thyroid function tests showed 45.9% were euthyroid.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of AIT are crucial to prevent growth and developmental delays. Continued research and understanding of AIT in pediatric populations can enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, leading to better outcomes.