Patient's question:
My sister's child, recently discovered after a thorough check-up that they have hypothyroidism. I called to ask about the symptoms of hypothyroidism in a 9-year-old child, but I'm not very clear about the symptoms. Hello, what are the symptoms of hypothyroidism in a 9-year-old child?Doctor's answer:
Congenital hypothyroidism is caused by congenital thyroid function defects or iodine deficiency in the maternal diet during pregnancy. The former is referred to as sporadic hypothyroidism. Its main clinical manifestations include impaired physical and mental growth and development, as well as common endocrine diseases in children. It is generally believed that if detected within 2 months and timely treatment is provided, lifelong medication is required, and intelligence remains largely normal. If detected or treated after 10 months, IQ can only exceed the normal level by 80%. If it occurs before the age of 2, intellectual disability is irreversible. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is administered. Medication is discontinued after 2-3 years and 1 month. Reviews of thyroid function, ultrasound, and thyroid isotope tests are conducted. For transient hypothyroidism, medication discontinuation is followed by irregular follow-up.