先天性甲状腺功能减低症汉族儿童的促甲状腺素受体基因失活突变

目的探讨汉族儿童促甲状腺素受体（TSHR）基因失活突变与先天性甲状腺功能减低症（CH）的相关性。方法（1）选择79例CH汉族儿童（亚临床甲减14例,年龄1～5.5岁,男8例,女6例;甲减65例,年龄1.5～6岁,男27例,女38例）为研究对象;100名正常儿童（男40例,女60例,年龄1～8岁）作为对照组。（2）采用PCR和DNA测序技术检测TSHR基因失活突变。结果（1）79例CH患儿中有1例发生复合杂合子突变,其突变位点为（Pro52Thr／Val689Gly）。1例发生杂合子突变,其突变位点为（Gly245Ser）。30例患儿在第10外显子2181位核苷酸处发生C-G转换（GAC→GAG）,使727位密码子天冬氨酸被谷氨酸代替（Asp727Glu）。47例患儿在第7外显子561位核苷酸处发生T-c转换（AAT→AAc）,相应的187位氨基酸（Asn）不发生改变。（2）33例正常对照儿童在第10外显子2181位核苷酸处发生C-G转换;50例正常对照儿童在第7外显子561位核苷酸处发生T-c转换（AAT→AAc）。结论浙江汉族CH患儿TSHR基因有3个杂合子突变位点：（Pr052Thr）、（Gly245Ser）、（Val689Gly）,第10外显子2181位核苷酸处（GAc→GAG）及第7外显子561位核苷酸处（AAT→AAC）存在TSHR基因多态性。     

Two novel mutations in the human thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene: genetics and clinical findings in four children

We report four children originating from two unrelated German families with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) due to mutations in the thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene. Three female siblings (family 1) were found to be compound heterozygous for two mutations, a known mutation in exon 9 (W527C), and a mutation in exon 8 (Q446H), which has not been described before. In the second family we identified a boy with goitrous CH, who had a novel homozygous mutation in the TPO gene in exon 16 (W873X). All children of family 1 were diagnosed postnatally by newborn screening. The case of the boy of family 2 has already been reported for the in utero treatment of a goiter with hypothyroidism.
Conclusion: Our results confirm existing data on the phenotypic variability of patients with TPO gene mutations.     

Maternal TSH-receptor antibodies and TSH antibodies in screening for congenital hypothyroidism

Serum samples from 30 mothers who had given birth to at least one child with a positive neonatal thyrotropin (TSH) screening test were analysed for TSH-receptor antibodies. One mother with hypothyroidism after thyroiditis who had two sons who had had transient congenital hypothyroidism, showed significantly elevated concentrations of TSH receptor blocking IgG antibodies in her serum. The three daughters of another mother had neonatal hyperthyrotropinaemia but normal thyroid hormone levels. This woman had elevated serum levels of TSH but was clinically and biochemically euthyroid. The apparent hyperthyrotropinaemia in this family was due to an artifact in the TSH radioimmunoassay caused by maternal anti-TSH IgG antibodies. It is obvious that placental transfer of maternal IgG antibodies to the thyroid TSH receptor is one cause of transient congenital hypothyroidism. Likewise, maternal IgG directed against TSH interferes with radioimmunoassays of TSH and the results may be falsely interpreted as hyperthyrotropinaemia. It is concluded that in neonatal hyperthyrotropinaemia analysis of the mother's serum is indicated, and that maternal TSH receptor blocking antibodies must be considered as a cause of congenital hypothyroidism, especially if the mother has a history of thyroid dysfunction.     

Maternal TSH-Receptor Antibodies and TSH Antibodies in Screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism

ABSTRACT. Serum samples from 30 mothers who had given birth to at least one child with a positive neonatal thyrotropin (TSH) screening test were analysed for TSH-receptor antibodies. One mother with hypothyroidism after thyroiditis who had two sons who had had transient congenital hypothyroidism, showed significantly elevated concentrations of TSH receptor blocking IgG antibodies in her serum. The three daughters of another mother had neonatal hyper-thyrotropinaemia but normal thyroid hormone levels. This woman had elevated serum levels of TSH but was clinically and biochemically euthyroid. The apparent hyperthyrotropinaemia in this family was due to an artifact in the TSH radioimmunoassay caused by maternal anti-TSH IgG antibodies. It is obvious that placental transfer of maternal IgG antibodies to the thyroid TSH receptor is one cause of transient congenital hypothyroidism. Likewise, maternal IgG directed against TSH interferes with radioimmunoassays of TSH and the results may be falsely interpreted as hyperthyrotropinaemia. It is concluded that in neonatal hyperthyrotropinaemia analysis of the mother's serum is indicated, and that maternal TSH receptor blocking antibodies must be considered as a cause of congenital hypothyroidism, especially if the mother has a history of thyroid dysfunction.     

Thyroid dysfunction in Down's syndrome and screening for hypothyroidism in children and adolescents using capillary TSH measurement

Thyroid dysfunction is more common in individuals with Down's syndrome (DS) than in the general population, whose clinical features can mask the presenting signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. Biochemical screening is necessary; however, venepuncture may be difficult. AIMS: To assess the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in children and adolescents with DS and the feasibility of screening for hypothyroidism using capillary dried blood spot thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) from infancy. METHODS: 394 children (217 boys, 177 girls) were clinically assessed for thyroid dysfunction and 305 children (aged 4 months to 18.9 years) were screened for hypothyroidism by capillary whole blood TSH sample. RESULTS: Thyroid dysfunction was detected in 4.6%, with 50% unscreened since neonatal screening. Parents reported minimal distress by fingerprick screening. CONCLUSION: DS is associated with an increased prevalence of thyroid dysfunction, particularly in preschool children. Biochemical screening is essential and capillary whole blood TSH sampling for hypothyroidism is feasible, less invasive and acceptable.     

Thyrotrophin-blocking antibodies in congenital hypothyroidism

The role of transplacental transfer of maternal thyrotrophin (TSH)-blocking antibodies causing congenital hypothyroidism in Southern Chinese children was examined in this study. Twenty-two mothers of 24 patients with congenital hypothyroidism were studied 3-5 years after delivery. None of them had thyroid dysfunction at delivery or at the time of study. None had antithyroglobulin or antimicrosomal antibody. Only one mother was found to have TSH-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII), and her child had agenesis of the thyroid. This women had Graves disease in remission for 2 years before delivery. None had TSH-stimulated cAMP response inhibitory immunoglobulin (TSII). Ten of the 24 congenital hypothyroid children had transient neonatal hypothyroidism, seven had agenesis of the thyroid, six had dyshormonogenesis and one had a sublingual thyroid. As none of the mothers who had children with transient neonatal hypothyroidism had blocking antibodies at the time of study, the aetiology of the transient neonatal hypothyroidism remains unclear. These data suggest that maternal TSH-blocking antibodies do not play a role in most cases of sporadic congenital hypothyroidism.     

暂时性甲状腺功能减低伴甲状腺肿大患儿DUOX2基因突变的研究

目的 研究暂时性先天性甲状腺功能减退伴甲状腺肿大患者DUOX2基因突变情况.方法 对5例暂时性甲状腺功能减低伴甲状腺肿大患者DUOX2基因的全部外显子进行基因突变筛查,基因突变类型和特点.结果 在1例先天性甲状腺功能减低症( Congenital Hypothyroidism,CH)患儿中发现DUOX2基因一个等位基因的杂合性突变,为第10外显子cDNA的1329位点发生C＞T的突变(c.C1329T),导致第376密码子精氨酸突变为色氨酸(p.Arg376Trp).其他4例CH患儿均没有发现DUOX2基因突变.结论 在先天性甲状腺功能减退患儿中也发现了DUOX2基因的p.Arg376Trp突变,该突变的单个等位基因剂量的改变可能导致先天性甲状腺功能减退.     

Congenital hypothyroidism. The effect of stopping treatment at 3 years of age

Fifty-six children with congenital hypothyroidism diagnosed by neonatal screening were reviewed at 3 years of age or older. The presence or absence of the thyroid gland was determined by radionuclide scanning prior to treatment in the newborn period. Thyroxine therapy was discontinued in those children who did not have anatomic defects or a secondary rise in their thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]) level once it was suppressed by thyroid hormones. Sixteen of 17 children developed a low thyroxine and an elevated TSH level within three to six weeks. One child was not receiving thyroxine for nine months and was clinically and biochemically euthyroid. We conclude that (1) newborn thyroid scans are useful to determine the cause of hypothyroidism, (2) a secondary rise in the TSH level indicates permanent hypothyroidism, (3) only about one third of infants whose condition is diagnosed by newborn screening will qualify for a trial off therapy at 3 years of age, (4) only 1% to 2% of infants whose condition is diagnosed by newborn screening have transient hypothyroidism, and (5) a three-week period of hormone withdrawal after the age of 3 years seems adequate and safe to confirm permanent hypothyroidism.     

Transient neonatal 'athyreosis' resulting from thyrotropin-binding inhibitory immunoglobulins

Recognition of transient forms of neonatal hypothyroidism is difficult because of the urgency of thyroxine treatment. In the present report the first child born to a mother with Graves' disease developed transient hyperthyroidism during the newborn period. The mother underwent radioactive iodine treatment and was maintained euthyroid on l-thyroxine. Two subsequent children were detected by newborn thyroid screen to have low thyroxine and markedly elevated serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels. Technetium 99 metastable and iodine 123 scans at 22 days of age showed the second child to be athyreotic. The third child was not scanned. All three children were nongoitrous at birth. Patients 2 and 3 had continuous TSH suppression with thyroxine therapy for 3 and 4 years. Thyroid function measurements after discontinuation of therapy for 8 weeks were normal, and both children had normal 123I thyroid scans. The mother was found to have potent TSH-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) levels in her serum (85.5%). A fourth child with low thyroxine and elevated TSH was born to a mother on a regimen of l-thyroxine for hypothyroidism. 99mTc scan at 26 days of age showed no thyroid tissue and was normal at 3 months. TBII activity was 35% in the maternal serum and absent in the infant's serum. The above laboratory and clinical data are compatible with the blocking nature of TBII, resulting in transient newborn hypothyroidism and an athyreotic appearance on scan. The TBII measurement can be a useful predictor of neonatal hypothyroidism as well as confirm the transient nature of the disease in newborns.     

Thyroid function in children with Down's syndrome]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate thyroid function in 45 Down's syndrome patients in order to verify the hypothesis of an increased risk of thyroid disorders associated with trisomy 21. A patient with subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 16.6 microU/ml; T4 6.4 micrograms/dl) was diagnosed in a group of 28 subjects with Down's syndrome studied at a mean age of 6 years and 5 months using T3, T4, FT3, FT4, TSH assays and clinical examination. T4 and TSH values were also measured in 10 of these children at the neonatal screening. One infant presented transient neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia but later became euthyroid. The analysis of thyroid hormone values at the neonatal screening of other 17 subjects with Down's syndrome did not reveal other cases with thyroid function disorders. The results of this study highlight that altered thyroid functions are evident in children with trisomy 21 associated with heart anomalies. A careful clinico-endocrinological follow-up of patients with Down's syndrome is recommended in order to ensure an early diagnosis of thyroid function disorders and/or autoimmune diseases which might complicate the evolution of trisomy and negatively affect outcome.     

先天性甲状腺功能减低症患儿DUOXA2基因突变研究

目的 探讨广州地区先天性甲状腺功能减低症(CH)患儿DUOXA2基因突变特点及其基因型与表型的关系。方法 采用PCR及直接测序法,对2011年至2012年出生、广州市新生儿筛查中心诊断并排除DUOX2基因突变的20例疑似甲状腺激素合成障碍的CH患者进行DUOXA2基因突变分析。结果 20例CH患者中2例为p.Y246X/p.Y246X纯合突变;4例为单等位基因杂合突变:分别为已知致病突变c.413-414ins A携带者2例,p.Y246X携带者1例,新突变p.G79R携带者1例。2~3岁再评估时显示,2例p.Y246X/p.Y246X纯合突变者分别表现为暂时性CH及轻度永久性CH;4例单等位基因突变者,除1例p.Y246X携带者表现为典型永久性CH外,其余3例携带者均为暂时性CH。结论 DUOXA2基因突变是广州地区疑似甲状腺激素合成障碍性CH患儿较常见的分子发病基础,多数表现为暂时性CH,未发现DUOXA2基因型与表型的关系。新突变p.G79R为致病性突变的可能性大。     

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Level at Diagnosis as a Predictor of Persistent Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Children with Down Syndrome

Objective

To evaluate subclinical hypothyroidism in a cohort of children with Down syndrome and identify a TSH level at the time of diagnosis to predict persistent hypothyroidism.

Methods

192 children (age <3 years) with Down syndrome, registered in the Genetic Clinic of a referral tertiary care Hospital from 2010 to 2015 were evaluated with thyroid function test at initial visits and subsequently based on standard protocol. Children with subclinical hypothyroidism were evaluated at 3 years of age after discontinuation of thyroxine for 3 months.

Results

47 (24.5%) children had elevated TSH and among them 43 (91.5%) had subclinical hypothyroidism. Among the subclinical hypothyroidism group, 25 (73.5%) had transient hypothyroidism and 9 (26.5%) persistent hypothyroidism. Initial TSH level at the time of diagnosis was higher in persistent hypothyroidism group as compared to transient group (P= 0.003). The best cut-off level for prediction of persistent hypothyroidism for initial TSH level was 11.6 mIU/L.

Conclusion

Subclinical hypothyroidism, especially transient, is the commonest form of thyroid dysfunction in children with Down syndrome. The initial TSH level may help to predict the possibility of persistence of hypothyroidism.

     

先天性甲状腺功能减低症35例甲状腺过氧化物酶基因突变检测

目的 检测35例先天性甲状腺功能减低症(CH)患儿甲状腺过氧化物酶(TPO)基因突变.方法 抽取35例先天性甲状腺功能减低症患儿外周血并提取DNA,用PCR扩增患儿TPO基因所有17个外显子、外显子-内含子交界区以及3'端和5'端非翻译区,用DNA测序技术和限制性内切酶检测基因突变,并对发现突变的CH患儿父母进行对照分析.结果 5例CH患儿存在TPO基因突变:1例为c.961A＞G和c.2422delT突变复合杂合子,1例为c.2268insT和c.1477G＞A突变复合杂合子,3例为c.2268insT突变纯合子.其中c.961 A＞G[p.Thr321 Ala]为未见文献报道的突变.结论 在35例先天性甲状腺功能减低症检测到4种TPO基因突变.

Abstract：

Objective To identify thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene mutations in 35 patients with congenital hypothyroidism. Method Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples of 35 patients with congenital hypothyroidism. All of the 17 exons and flanking introns of TPO gene were amplified by PCR, then the PCR products were sequenced bi-directionally and were analyzed by restriction endonucleases. Result One patient had compound heterozygous mutations c. 961A ＞ G/c. 2422delT, one was c. 2268insT/c. 1477G ＞ A, and three was homozygous mutation c. 2268insT. The TPO gene mutation c.961A ＞ G [p. Thr321Ala] was one novel mutation. Conclusion High frequency mutation in TPO gene was detected in patients with congenital hypothyroidism.     

Severe congenital hypothyroidism due to a homozygous mutation of the betaTSH gene.

Isolated TSH deficiency leading to hypothyroidism seems to be a rare condition, escaping the diagnosis by neonatal screening programs, which are based on the primary determination of TSH. This is the first report of a case with an autosomal recessive TSH defect caused by a homozygous mutation of the betaTSH gene that was diagnosed in the early neonatal period. Hypothyroidism in the first child of apparently unrelated parents was suspected because of the classical symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism, which were fully expressed already on the 11th day of life. Routine neonatal TSH-screening on the 4th day of life had been normal, but subsequent determination of serum thyroid hormone levels revealed almost undetectable levels and thyroid hormone substitution was immediately started. Because there was no indication for other pituitary hormone deficiencies, sequence analysis of the betaTSH gene was initiated. A homozygous T deletion in codon 105 was found resulting in a change of a highly conserved cysteine to valine followed by eight altered amino acids and a premature stop codon due to the frame-shift. This altered betaTSH is a biologically inactive peptide. Because of the early development of severe symptoms, it is possible that this altered TSH suppresses the physiologic constitutive activity of the unliganded TSH receptor. Rapid molecular diagnosis in this patient clarified the diagnosis without additional endocrine and imaging studies and it is concluded, that symptoms of hypothyroidism in the neonatal period should result always in an immediate comprehensive work-up of thyroid function including molecular genetic studies irrespective of the screening result.     

Subclinical hypothyroidism in in vitro fertilization babies

Aim: Assisted reproduction technology is used widely all over the world. There is a great concern about the morbidity of in vitro fertilization (IVF) babies, but investigations are mostly related to mechanical conditions that are attributed to multiparity. This paper aimed to investigate the effect of IVF on thyroid functions in newborns. Methods: A total of 98 healthy, term IVF newborns were evaluated between postnatal 2–4 weeks of age by screening of thyroid functions between July 2006 and April 2008. Ten subjects were assessed as a study group whose thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were higher than 6.5 mU/L. Control group consisted of randomly selected 10 naturally conceived infants with hyperthyrotropinemia (whose TSH levels were higher than 6.5 mU/L but under 15 mU/L) with the same age. All children were thoroughly examined, and serum fT4, TSH, anti‐thyroid peroxidase and anti‐thyroglobulin antibodies were measured, and a thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) test was performed in all subjects in both groups. Results: Euthyroid hyperthyrotropinemia was diagnosed in approximately 10% of IVF babies. Exaggerated TSH levels to TRH were obtained in all IVF babies (subclinical hypothyroidism) but in none of the controls. A significant difference was noted in the concentration of TSH at the 20th min between the two groups (p < 0.001). Besides, sustained and delayed TSH responses were observed in IVF babies. Neonatal screening tests were negative in both of the groups. Conclusion: In IVF babies, despite normal neonatal screening tests, subclinical hypothyroidism might be observed that suggests the need for screening in this respect.     

先天性甲状腺功能减退症患儿DUOX2基因突变的研究

目的 研究先天性甲状腺功能减退症(congenital hypothyroidism, CH)患儿DUOX2 基因突变类型和特点,并初步探讨基因型- 表现型的关系,为CH 患儿的基因诊断和基因治疗提供理论依据.方法 从10例CH 伴甲状腺肿大患儿外周血白细胞中提取基因组DNA,采用PCR 扩增和直接测序的方法对DUOX2 全部外显子进行基因突变检测.结果 在1 例患儿中发现DUOX2 基因第28 外显子cDNA 的3632 位点发生了G>A 的突变(c.G3632A),导致第1 211 密码子的精氨酸变为组氨酸(p.R1211H).在3 例患儿中发现DUOX2 基因第17 外显子cDNA 的2 033 位点发生了T>C 的突变(c.T2033C),导致第678 密码子的组氨酸变为精氨酸(p.H678R).此两种突变均为杂合型的错义突变.结论 CH 患儿存在DUOX2 基因杂合突变,该杂合突变可能引起蛋白质功能的改变从而导致CH;基因型与表现型的关系尚不明确,需要进一步的研究.     

Subclinical hyperthyroidism due to a thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) gene mutation (S505R)

AIM: To identify the molecular defect by which non-autoimmune subclinical hyperthyroidism was caused in a 6-mo-old infant who presented with weight loss. METHODS: Congenital non-autoimmune hyperthyroidism is caused by activating germline mutations in the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) gene. Therefore, the TSHR gene was sequenced directly from the patient's genomic DNA. RESULTS: Molecular analysis revealed a heterozygous point mutation (S505R) in the TSHR gene as the underlying defect. CONCLUSION: A constitutively activating mutation in the TSHR gene has to be considered not only in patients with severe congenital non-autoimmune hyperthyroidism, but also in children with subclinical non-autoimmune hyperthyroidism.     

Longitudinal study on thyroid function in patients with thalassemia major

Primary hypothyroidism is one of the most frequent complications observed in patients suffering from thalassemia. We investigated thyroid function in a group of patients attending the Pediatric Department of Cardarelli Hospital in order to determine in how many patients thyroid function worsened during a 12 year-period of follow up. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Fifty patients with beta-thalassemia major (27 females and 23 males), mean age 25.7+/-1.4 years, were re-evaluated according to the criteria of Faglia et al. Thyroid dysfunction was defined as follows: overt hypothyroidism (low FT4 and increased TSH levels >10 microU/ml); compensated hypothyroidism (normal FT4, TSH 5-10 microU/ml, and abnormal TRH test); subclinical hypothyroidism (normal FT4, basal TSH 0-5 microU/ml, abnormal TRH test). Correlation with hematological, biochemical and growth parameters was evaluated. RESULTS: Ten out of 50 patients evaluated in a previous study had moved to other centers, and four patients had died from cardiac problems. Thus, 36 patients completed a 12 year-period of follow-up. In 25% of the patients the degree of thyroid dysfunction worsened with different degrees of severity. The prevalence of overt hypothyroidism had risen to 13.9% from 8.4%. No cases of secondary hypothyroidism were observed, and anti-thyroglobulin and anti-thyroperoxidase (TPO) antibody titers were negative in all patients. Five (28%) out of 17 patients with normal thyroid function previously (one female, four male) showed an exaggerated TSH response to a TRH test, with normal serum levels of FT4, and they were classified as having subclinical hypothyroidism; while another patient died of cardiac complications. Four out of twelve patients with previous subclinical hypothyroidism showed worsening with a different degree of severity: two females changed to compensated hypothyroidism, and two males to overt hypothyroidism. Furthermore, two out of six patients with compensated hypothyroidism and one out of four patients with overt hypothyroidism died of cardiac failure. In all patients there was no correlation between serum ferritin levels, blood transfusion, pretransfusion Hb levels and worsening of thyroid function. Echographic data showed features of dishomogeneity of the parenchyma with different degrees of severity in accordance with the criteria of Sostre and Reyes. The highest score was observed in all patients with overt and compensated hypothyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: A slow worsening of thyroid function was observed in 25% of the studied patients and only two of them developed overt hypothyroidism. The echographic pattern seems to be strongly predictive of thyroid dysfunction.     

Autoimmunthyreopathien bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Typ-1-Diabetes Häufigkeit und sinnvolles Screening

Background. Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk for the development of autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto thyroiditis and Grave's disease). Recommendations for screening have been very inconsistent. Method. Between 1996 and 1999, yearly determinations of serum TSH, fT4, fT3, thyroid peroxidase (TPO-) and thyroglobulin (Tg-) antibodies were done in 155 children and adolescents with diabetes. In those who were positive for thyroid antibodies and/or had a goiter thyroid sonography was performed. Specific therapy was instituted when overt hypo- or hyperthyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism with goiter was present. No treatment was given to euthyroid patients who had positive thyroid antibodies but no goiter. Results. Between 1996 and 1999, autoimmune thyroiditis was diagnosed in 7 out of 155 children (all females). Hashimoto thyroiditis was present in 4, Grave's disease in 2 and thyroid antibody negative transient hyperthyroidism in one. Median age at diagnosis was 10.9 years, median duration of diabetes 3.1 years. The long-term course of thyroid autoantibody titers varied widely, there was no correlation with activity of hypo- or hyperthyroidism, predominant were TPO- antibodies. Four euthyroid children had elevated thyroid antibodies only, none developed a goiter or thyroid dysfunction so far. One child had subclinical hypothyroidism without thyroid antibodies and was treated with iodine. Of note were markedly increased HbA1c levels coincident with overt hyperthyroidism which decreased once euthyroidism was achieved. Conclusion. Routine screening for autoimmune thyroid disease in children and adolescents with diabetes is necessary. At onset of diabetes, thyroid function and antibodies should be determined to identify patients at risk. During follow-up, search for symptoms and signs of hypo- or hyperthyroidism or goiter as well as a determination of TSH once yearly is sufficient. If abnormal findings are present an extended work-up is necessary (see Fig. 1). Unexplained high HbA1c levels may be caused by unrecognised hyperthyroidism.