HYPOTHYROID MASKS IN SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN

Abstract

Introduction. The main difficulty in diagnosing hypothyroidism in school-age children is the "mask symptoms". Untimely diagnosis of the manifestations and treatment of hypothyroidism can lead to serious consequences, including delayed physical and cognitive development in children of a particularly young age. Therefore, regular screening in school-age children is necessary in order to detect and prevent the development of hypothyroidism early.
The aim of the study was to determine the frequent "symptoms" of hypothyroidism in preschool children.
Material and methods. Below are the results of screening to identify the masked symptoms of hypothyroidism among students from 11 secondary шĸол Бостандыĸсĸого district of the city of Almaty using ĸлиничесĸого method диагностиĸи.
Results. According to the results of the examination, 13.1% (444) of the patients had endocrine diseases in six nosologies, of the identified cases hypothyroidism was 15.8% (70).
Discussion of the results. Hypothyroidism in school-age children often has a latent course, which makes it difficult to diagnose it in a timely manner. The disease manifests itself in so - called "masks" - symptoms that may resemble other conditions or be perceived as features of a child's growth and development. Diagnosis in the target group (school-age children) requires a careful approach, including screenings and laboratory studies of TSH and free T4 levels, as well as ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, which are key to diagnosis.
Conclusions. The disease can disguise itself as various conditions, which makes it difficult to identify it. Increasing the awareness of doctors and parents about the symptoms of hypothyroidism and regular screenings as part of preventive examinations contribute to the timely detection of pathology and timely treatment. Treatment should include not only drug therapy, but also an integrated approach. A multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism will help ensure children's full-fledged physical, emotional and intellectual development.