Clinical and paraclinical manifestations in pediatric patients with autoimmune thyroiditis at a specialized center in Cali, Colombia

Abstract

Autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto´s thyroiditis (HT) is the main cause of acquired hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient regions. It is associated with other autoimmune diseases and thyroid cancer. The goal of this study is to expose clinical manifestations and laboratory findings identified in HT patients that attended the endocrinology service in a pediatric specialized center in the city of Cali, Colombia. This is a transversal (cross-sectional) observational retrospective study. Medical records of 91 were examined, 45 patients fulfilled selection criteria and entered the study. The average age at the time of diagnosis was 11.5 years old, with a female predominance (75.6%). Hypothyroidism was seen in 44.5% and hyperthyroidism in 42.2% of the patients. Goiter was the main clinical manifestation found (64.4%), with anti-peroxidase antibodies being positive in 95.6%. Two patients presented concomitant autoimmune disease. HT is more common in puberal age females, it can generate permanent hypothyroidism and be associated with autoimmune diseases. Prompt diagnosis and follow up is important to prevent associated complications.