Hashimoto Thyroiditis in Childhood – Review of the Epidemiology, Genetic Susceptibility and Clinical Aspects of the Disease

Abstract

Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most common cause of thyroid diseases in children and adolescents. It is also the most common cause of acquired hypothyroidism with or without goiter. The incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis has increased dramatically over the past few decades, affecting up to 5% of the general population in iodine sufficient areas. HT is caused by the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and endogenous factors. Significant progress has been made in identifying and characterizing the genes involved in pathogenesis of the disease.The aim of this review is to analyze current opinions and options regarding the etiology, genetic contribution to the pathogenesis, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the HT in children.

Adolesan Çağındaki Çocuklarda Otoimmün Tiroiditte Parvovirus B19’un Rolü

“…Among environmental factors, high iodine intake, chemicals (such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons), certain drugs (such as lithium, and amiodarone), and viral agents such as human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1), rubella, Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and parvovirus B19 (PV-B19) are held responsible for the development of autoimmune thyroiditis. 2,3 The clinical course of the disease is variable. Most affected children are clinically euthyroid and asymptomatic; however, thyroid functions may differ from hypothyroidism to hyperthyroidism at the time of diagnosis.…”

“…A definitive diagnosis is made by thyroid biopsy, biopsy may not always be needed. [2][3][4] PV-B19 is a common viral infection agent worldwide. Although it is most common in school-age children (5-15 years), the infection can occur at any age.…”