title: Speech and language delay in two children: an unusual presentation of hyperthyroidism.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hyperthyroidism is rare in pre-school children. Untreated, it can have a profound effect on normal growth and development, particularly in the first 2 years of life. Although neurological manifestations of dysthyroid states are well known, specific expressive speech and language disorder as a presentation of hyperthyroidism is rarely documented.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case reports of two children with hyperthyroidism presenting with speech and language delay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We report two pre-school children with hyperthyroidism, who presented with expressive speech and language delay, and demonstrated a significant improvement in their language skills following treatment with anti-thyroid medication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hyperthyroidism must be considered in all children presenting with speech and language difficulties, particularly expressive speech delay. Prompt recognition and early treatment are likely to improve outcome.
authors.forename: Aman P S
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Sohal
authors.forename: Madhuri
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dasarathi
authors.forename: Rajib
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lodh
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cheetham
authors.forename: Anita M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Devlin
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002231:Carbimazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000150:complications*; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002231:Carbimazole