Prevalence of Hypothyroidism and Cardiac Diseases Among Libyan Down Syndrome Patients

Abstract

Hypothyroidism is among the commonest thyroid abnormality in patients with Down syndrome (DS). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypothyroidism and cardiac defects among pediatric down syndrome patients attended Tripoli University Hospital. A retrospective study was conducted among children with DS seen at endocrine follow-up clinic in Tripoli University Hospital. Data were collected from patients' registration book and medical records. A total of 50 patients with DS were included in the study out of which 64% were females. Their median age at diagnosis was range between 10–14 years. Abnormal thyroid function was observed in 34 patients (68 %). Presence of chronic heart disease were seen in 30(60%) patients. Early diagnosis and management of thyroid abnormalities are important to decrease further impairment of cognition function in children with DS.