Screening tests can identify thyroid risk in Down syndrome

A study of 103 children with Down syndrome who underwent thyroid function testing between 6 and 14 years of age and again 4-6 years later found that raised levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) together with a positive thyroid antibody status pointed to increased risk of thyroid dysfunction later on. Researchers at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital suggest that these screening tests could identify those children with Down syndrome at risk of hypothyroidism, who could then be tested at regular intervals. The results of the study were published in the June 2005 issue of Archives of Disease in Childhood.