Thyroid dysfunction in children younger than 3 years old is an important factor influencing
the brain maturation and mental development. The proper treatment of thyroid disorders at the
start of life can determine the quality of the whole life. The treatment should be carefully
balanced within normal thyroid hormone concentration, while blood sampling should be as
rare as possible as far as the safe monitoring of effective treatment is concerned.
In the majority of countries, neonatal screening tests for congenital hypothyroidism were
introduced. Nowadays, we have more accurate data about the frequency of central congenital
hypothyroidism (CCH) and the novel X-linked genetic findings. Nevertheless, the evaluation of thyroid function in preterm babies and neonates born by a mother with thyroid disease is still a challenge. There also remains the unsolved question of what should be considered the target free thyroid hormones of L-T4 treatment for preterm children. Current data and experts’ opinions are needed to update the knowledge in this area and to improve the care of the youngest patients with thyroid disorders.
The main objective of this Research Topic is to provide an update on the most important
topics of thyroid disorders in premature children, neonates, infants, and children below 3 years
of life. The issue concerns hypothyroidism as well as hyperthyroidism and the peculiarities of
pathogenesis of these disorders in very young children. Thyroid dysfunction in genetic
syndromes will also be addressed (i.e. 21-trisomy).
This research will be accepted in the form of Original Research, Systematic Review, Review,
Perspective, Clinical Trial and Opinion articles. The presentations of extremely rare cases of
great importance will also be considered.
Thyroid dysfunction in children younger than 3 years old is an important factor influencing
the brain maturation and mental development. The proper treatment of thyroid disorders at the
start of life can determine the quality of the whole life. The treatment should be carefully
balanced within normal thyroid hormone concentration, while blood sampling should be as
rare as possible as far as the safe monitoring of effective treatment is concerned.
In the majority of countries, neonatal screening tests for congenital hypothyroidism were
introduced. Nowadays, we have more accurate data about the frequency of central congenital
hypothyroidism (CCH) and the novel X-linked genetic findings. Nevertheless, the evaluation of thyroid function in preterm babies and neonates born by a mother with thyroid disease is still a challenge. There also remains the unsolved question of what should be considered the target free thyroid hormones of L-T4 treatment for preterm children. Current data and experts’ opinions are needed to update the knowledge in this area and to improve the care of the youngest patients with thyroid disorders.
The main objective of this Research Topic is to provide an update on the most important
topics of thyroid disorders in premature children, neonates, infants, and children below 3 years
of life. The issue concerns hypothyroidism as well as hyperthyroidism and the peculiarities of
pathogenesis of these disorders in very young children. Thyroid dysfunction in genetic
syndromes will also be addressed (i.e. 21-trisomy).
This research will be accepted in the form of Original Research, Systematic Review, Review,
Perspective, Clinical Trial and Opinion articles. The presentations of extremely rare cases of
great importance will also be considered.
