| 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
(Affiliation: Department of Pediatrics (Endocrinology Division), University of Toronto, Canada.)
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| Journal | The Journal of pediatrics
(J Pediatr)
Vol. 126
Issue 3
Pg. 380-6
(Mar 1995)
ISSN: 0022-3476 UNITED STATES |
| PMID | 7869196
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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| Chemical References |
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| 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)
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