TSH stands for thyroid-stimulating hormone, and a high level of this hormone is an indicator of hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not function properly and does not produce sufficient amount of thyroid hormones.
If your child suffers from hypothyroidism, it is important to get early treatment, because it can lead to serious damage to your child's physical and mental development if left untreated.
Features
Then thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck, produces thyroid hormone, which is responsible for metabolism. If the level of thyroid hormone drops, the pituitary gland in the brain will release thyroid-stimulating hormone to stimulate the thyroid gland to increase secretion of thyroid hormone. Therefore, a high level of TSH in the blood means possible hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism can be a congenital condition and affects approximately 1 in 4,000 infants. It could also develop in children of any age when there is a problem with the thyroid gland.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism depend on the severity of the condition. In young babies, symptoms generally include a puffy face, swollen tongue, hoarse cry, cold extremities, low muscle tone, poor feeding, thick and coarse hair, large fontanel, prolonged jaundice, lethargy, persistent constipation, bloated belly and slow or no growth. In older children, symptoms also include poor growth, which results in short stature, delayed development of permanent teeth, delayed puberty and poor mental development.
Diagnosis
In the United States, newborns receive a heel-stick test in which blood is drawn from your baby's heel within the few hours of birth. This test is by far the most reliable way to diagnose hypothyroidism in children, according to Thyroid-info. If you notice any signs and symptoms in your older children, talk to your doctor and request a blood test. Low levels of thyroid hormone in the blood calls call for further testing, such as additional blood tests and x-ray.
Treatment
Treatment for hypothyroidism in children involves prescription thyroid-replacement hormone treatment in pill form that is taken daily. Since the need for thyroid hormone changes over the course of childhood, it is important to have an experienced physician oversee the treatment plan and adjust dosage as necessary, as well as monitor blood tests.
Warning
Consider having your child tested for hypothyroidism at regular intervals to prevent delayed treatment.
