Thyroids Issues in People who Have...

Escrito por:  Maria

Thyroid issues are common in children and adults who have Down’s syndrome. The thyroid gland is in the front of your neck just below the Adam’s apple. The gland produces a number of different hormones, the main ones being thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones help the cells in the body to work properly. They help regulate the body’s energy levels and play a part in physical and mental development.

The thyroid gland can be underactive (hypothyroidism) – not enough thyroxine is made to meet the body’s needs. Hypothyroidism can be present from birth but this does not happen very often. It is more likely that people who have Down’s syndrome will develop hypothyroidism as they grow up and get older. This usually happens because of autoimmunity (the body’s defence system attacks itself, this is sometimes also called Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism) although there can be other causes.

Hypothyroidism is a type of thyroid condition that is common in people who have Down’s syndrome. This condition is also known as having an underactive thyroid gland. It happens when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones. If a person has an untreated underactive thyroid gland, they may have the following symptoms:

  • Slowing of growth
  • Excessive weight gain
  • Lethargy
  • Sensitive to cold
  • Dry skin
  • Dry hair
  • Constipation
  • Hair loss
  • Slowing down
  • Slow pulse
  • Abnormal periods
  • Tiredness
  • Mental deterioration
  • Deafness
  • Anaemia

If tests show you have an underactive thyroid, your GP may prescribe hormone replacement medication. It may take a little while to get the dose of medication right. You will probably have to take thyroid medication for the rest of your life. Over time, the amount of medication you need to take may change.

Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism a type of thyroid condition that is a little more common in people who have Down’s syndrome than in the general population. This condition is also known as having an overactive thyroid gland. It happens when the thyroid gland makes too many thyroid hormones. If a person has an untreated overactive thyroid gland, they may have the following symptoms:

  • Weight and muscle loss
  • Increased appetite
  • Heat intolerance
  • Diarrhoea
  • Anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Changes in behaviour
  • Irritability
  • Swelling of the thyroid gland
  • Breathlessness
  • Thinning hair
  • Bulging eyes

People who have Down’s syndrome usually tend to develop hypothyroidism but sometimes they can have hyperthyroidism although this is much less common. Many symptoms may indicate a person has a thyroid issue and the balance of symptoms may be different from person to person.

There may be causes (other than thyroid) for these symptoms. If the person you support has any of these symptoms and/or you have noticed changes that worry you, make an appointment with their GP for a check-up. It may be they have an issue with their thyroid.

However, relying on being able to spot the symptoms that mean a person may be unwell is not enough. It is sometimes more difficult to diagnose thyroid problems in people who have Down’s syndrome. This is why people who have Down’s syndrome need regular blood tests to check their thyroid. Babies born with Down’s syndrome should have a routine heel prick blood spot test in the first six weeks of life followed by a screening blood test between four and six months of age.

All newborn babies should have a heel prick blood test for thyroid. Babies should be tested again for thyroid when they are between 4 to 6 months old. From the age of 1 year old, a blood test should be done every year (or more often if clinically indicated) for the rest of life. For anyone who has Down’s syndrome (age 14 years and over)– thyroid should be tested as part of the annual health check.

Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroxine replacement medication; this is usually in tablet form. Hyperthyroidism can be treated with anti-thyroid medication to stop the over production of thyroid hormones. Sometimes surgery to remove part of the gland, or the use of radioactive iodine to reduce the gland’s functioning, might be required.

How is the thyroid gland checked?

The thyroid is checked by having a blood test. A health professional will take a blood sample from a vein in the arm. Taking a blood sample from a vein is sometimes called ‘venipuncture’. For most people this will happen at their GP surgery. Sometimes a blood sample will be taken at the local hospital. Some people will find having blood taken from a vein difficult. It is sometimes possible to have a finger prick test instead of a blood sample being taken from a vein. Ask your GP if finger prick testing is available in your area. The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing. The GP surgery will contact you to discuss what the laboratory has found.

For more information read this article from the Down Syndrome Association.