STATE OF THYROID FUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Abstract

Down's syndrome (DS) is relatively well known to the general public as a genetic disorder. Children with this syndrome form one ·of the most readily identifiable groups of children with moderate to severe learning difficulties (Wishart and Johnston, 1990).

Down's syndrome subjects are characterized by a distinctive array of facial and other dysmorphic features. These include hypotonia, short stature, microcephaly, up slanting palpebral fissures, epicanthus, Brush field spots on the iris, Protruding tongue, small ears, short and broad h mds, fifth fmger clinodactyly, semian crease and characteristic dermatoglyphics (Vet al; 1989).

Wishart and Johnston(1990),reported that reviews of longitudinal and cross-sectional psychometric studies of the IQ levels in children with DS mentioned that IQ scores is ranging from 50-60 I.Q Points in such cases.

At the beginning of the last century, a pathological association between Down's syndrome and thyroid disorders was described by Bournvile (1903),then clinical and histopathological confirmations followed (Benda, 1949). However, the first case of a DS patient with clinical hyperthyroidism was reported by Gilchrist, in 1946 and the first with clinical hypothyroidism was reported by Maranon et al, in 1951.