Hypothyroidism due to auto-immune thyroiditis in a young child with down's syndrome

Abstract

A young child with trisomy 21 and acquired hypothyroidism due to auto-immune thyroiditis is described. Limited family studies were negative for chromosomal and immunological abnormalities. Thyroid function tests have generally been normal in Down's syndrome, despite an increased incidence of thyroid auto-antibodies. The pathogenesis of auto-immune thyroiditis and the presence of thyroid auto-antibodies in Down's syndrome is at present unknown.