Long-term effects of L-thyroxine therapy for congenital hypothyroidism.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To study the effects of initial and concurrent dose levels of L-thyroxine on ability and behavior in children with congenital hypothyroidism.

METHODS:

An existing database, involving a large cohort of children with congenital hypothyroidism detected by neonatal screening, was analyzed retrospectively. There were 94 children: 89 were assessed at age 7 years for intelligence and selective cognitive abilities, and 87 at age 8 years for behavior, achievement, and selective abilities.

RESULTS:

Subjects were stratified by median split into low and high starting dose groups. The high-dose group performed better on indexes of intelligence, verbal ability, and memory but had more behavior problems reflecting increased anxiety, social withdrawal, and poorer concentration. The dose of L-thyroxine at age 8 years was negatively correlated with memory task performance.

CONCLUSION:

A higher starting dose of L-thyroxine is beneficial for subsequent intellectual outcome in children with congenital hypothyroidism but may be associated with internalizing behavior problems.

• Authors: J F Rovet, R M Ehrlich
• Journal: The Journal of pediatrics (J Pediatr) Vol. 126 Issue 3 Pg. 380-6 (Mar 1995) ISSN: 0022-3476 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7869196 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Thyroxine

Topics

• Child
• Child Behavior Disorders (etiology)
• Congenital Hypothyroidism
• Female
• Humans
• Hypothyroidism (drug therapy, psychology)
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Intelligence (drug effects)
• Male
• Prospective Studies
• Psychological Tests
• Thyroxine (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)