Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT2962

Objective: This study analyzed the laboratory findings and diagnostic distribution of patients with thyroid function test abnormalities referred to our clinic.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 310 cases with abnormal thyroid function tests referred to our clinic between October 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023, were retrospectively evaluated. Patient data were obtained retrospectively from our hospital’s medical records. The cases’ demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed to investigate the final diagnostic distribution.

Results: The study included 310 patients, of whom 64.8% (n = 201) were female, with a median age of 10 years (ranging from 5 to 13 years). All cases had undergone evaluation by other departments before presenting to the pediatric endocrinology clinic. While some patients had previously visited a single center, others had consulted multiple centers. Among the reasons for their initial visits to these centers, 39.4% of the cases (n = 122) had undergone routine check-ups, during which abnormal thyroid function test results led to their referral to our clinic. Before being referred to our clinic, 24.2% of the cases (n = 75) had been evaluated due to abnormal thyroid function test results detected during screening. Additionally, 2.9% of the cases (n = 9) had presented due to obesity, 2.6% (n = 8) due to palpitations, 2.3% (n = 7) due to constipation, and another 2.3% (n = 7) due to short stature. Furthermore, 26.5% of the cases (n = 82) had been evaluated for various other complaints, including increased hair loss, recent weight loss, decreased appetite, fatigue, and chest pain. All patients were referred to our tertiary pediatric endocrinology clinic due to abnormal thyroid function test results. The final diagnostic distribution of these cases in our hospital showed that 31.3% (n = 97) were diagnosed with Hashimoto thyroiditis, while 22.3% (n = 69) had congenital hypothyroidism. Euthyroidism was identified in 17.4% (n = 54) of the cases, whereas 13.2% (n = 41) were diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism. Central hypothyroidism was found in 9.4% (n = 29) of the cases. Additionally, 3.5% (n = 11) of the patients were diagnosed with Graves’ disease, and 2.9% (n = 9) had hashitoxicosis. Moreover, 13 cases were found to have isolated TSH elevation due to excess weight or obesity. Relevant cases received necessary treatments, while others were placed under follow-up.

Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction in childhood is a common condition that may require early diagnosis and prompt treatment, as in congenital or acquired hypothyroidism, or it may stem from a condition that necessitates clinical follow-up.