Scanning of autoimmune thyroiditis and iodine deficiency in preschool children (2-6 YEARS old)

Purpose: Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) is the most common cause of acquired hypothyroidism and goiter during childhood and adolescence in regions where iodine intake is sufficient. Autoimmune thyroid diseases are typically seen in adolescent and adult age groups, moreover, studies on the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis in infants and school-age children are in the form of case reports. Examining the level of iodine in terms of thyroid diseases associated with nutritional iodine deficiencies will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the patient in terms of autoimmune thyroiditis and iodine deficiencies. Materials and Method: Between July 1, 2021 and October 1, 2021, children between the age of 2-6, without any known chronic diseases and a total of 86 healthy children; 43 male and 43 female that have not been administered thyroid medication were chosen for the study by Pediatrics Polyclinics of Bezmialem University Medical Faculty Hospital. Serum TSH, sT4, Anti-TPO, Anti-TG and iodine levels in spot urine were studied from children who met the current criterias. Results: Six individuals (6.9%) with positive thyroid autoantibody were detected and no abnormality was detected in thyroid function tests of any of these cases. In cases with autoantibody positivity, the female/male ratio was found to be 2. Thyroid USG was normal in a case with both anti-TPO and anti-TG positivity. Subclinical hypothyroidism was found in a girl, iodine deficiency and Hashimoto's thyroiditis were not detected in this case. The rate of iodine deficiency was 20.9%, of which 15.1% had mild and 5.8% had moderate iodine deficiency. No case with severe iodine deficiency was detected. All cases with iodine deficiency were euthyroid. Conclusion: In our country, studies on thyroid autoimmunity have been conducted in the adolescent age group, however, no research has been done on pre-school children (2-6 years old). Hashimoto's Thyroiditis symptoms are not uncommon in pre-school age; however, it is important to follow these cases as they are relatively subclinical. Although no signs of hypothyroidism are seen in pre-school children, mild/moderate iodine deficiency is seen at a rate of approximately 1/5. Therefore, it was concluded that iodine supplementation is necessary. Our study will be a pioneer in terms of similar studies with more extensive participation in understanding the relationship between autoimmune thyroid diseases and iodine deficiency in this age group. Key words: Hashimoto's thyroiditis, autoimmune thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, 2-6 years old children