Thyroid function abnormalities among first-degree relatives of Iranian congenital hypothyroidism neonates.
BACKGROUND
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a relatively common metabolic disease in neonates. Until recent years the disorder was usually regarded as occurring in a sporadic manner. Over the past few years, however, a considerable proportion of familial cases have been identified, and possible roles of autoimmune factors suggested. The aim of the present study was to evaluate abnormality of thyroid function tests in first-degree relatives of CH neonates and compared this to the normal population.


METHODS
From 2002 until 2007 thyroid function tests (T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]) were done in randomly selected CH and normal neonates (n= 194 and n= 350, respectively) and their first-degree relatives. Most mothers of the CH neonates and control groups were also evaluated for thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb).


RESULTS
Thyroid function test in first-degree relative of neonates with CH (361 parents, 136 siblings) were compared with those in control groups (665 parents, 478 siblings). Abnormal thyroid function tests were found in 85 patients in the CH group versus 96 patients in the control group; hypothyroidism was found in 75 (15.1%) and 57 subjects (5%) person in the CH and control groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Positive TPO antibody was found in 22 mothers (17.3%) of CH neonates in comparison with 65 mothers (32.5%) of control groups (P < 0.05). Frequency of hyperthyroidism in parents of control group had trend to be higher than parents of CH neonates (P= 0.05)


CONCLUSIONS
Familial and genetic components play a role in inheritance of CH, but maternal thyroid autoimmunity may not play an important role in the development of CH in Iran.
Hashemipour
Mahin
M
Isfahan Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Hasani
Nasibeh
N
Amini
Masood
M
Heidari
Kamal
K
Sajadi
Ali
A
Dastanpour
Masoomeh
M
Ajami
Ali
A
Hovsepian
Silva
S
Aminorroaya
Ashraf
A
Dehghan
Bahar
B
Kelishadi
Roya
R
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003409:Congenital Hypothyroidism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D035781:Siblings; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood
D013972:Thyrotropin