To Assess the Thyroid Status of Adolescents Aged 10-19 Years Coming to a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Adolescence is the phase of life between childhood and adulthood, from ages of 10 -19 years, during which thyroid disorders peak and mostly goes undetected. Hence, there is a need for evaluation of thyroid functions in this age group. Objective: To assess the thyroid status of adolescents aged 10-19 years coming to a tertiary care Centre. Material and Methods: This cross sectional analytical study was conducted among adolescents between the age of 10-19 years who attended the Department of Paediatrics at JSS Hospital, a tertiary care centre in Mysuru, Karnataka, India. Duration of study was 18 Month. Consecutive Sampling technique was used. Results: Family history of hypothyroidism was seen in 2% of study subjects. Subclinical hypothyroidism(14%) was the most common thyroid abnormality followed by subclinical hyperthyroidism (3.3%). Conclusion: In our study, subclinical hypothyroidism is the most common presentation of thyroid abnormalities in adolescents. Hence, thyroid function test is strongly recommended to identify the thyroid abnormalities & early initiation of treatment