Resumo

CHAVEZ, Carlos J et al. Nutritional aspects of thyroid dysfunction in children and adolescents with down syndrome. Arch Venez Puer Ped [online]. 2015, vol.78, n.1, pp.13-17. ISSN 0004-0649.

Trisomy 21 or Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common cause of mental retardation with chromosomal origin, associated with thyroid dysfunction (TD) and obesity as a public health problem. Hypothyroidism is the most common form of TD associated with DS, with nearly 50% prevalence. Objective: To determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and aspects related to the nutritional status of children and adolescents with DS. Methods: A prospective and cross-sectional study in 17 children with DS (11.5 ± 3.0 years) were randomly selected. The study anthropometric, dietary interview with 72 hours and determination of thyroid hormones was realized. The required statistical analysis SPSS 17 with 95% CI, p <0.05. Results: Individuals with DS were overweight in 47.1% (n = 8). Subclinical hypothyroidism was observed in 71.4% (n = 10), while 28.6% (n = 4) showed clinical hypothyroidism. The consumption of iodine (53.4 ± 12.0 vs 130.5 ± 18.1; p <0.05), phenylalanine (0.1 ± 0, 0 vs 2.3 ± 0.5; p <0.05) and tyrosine (0.1 ± 0.0 vs 2.3 ± 0.5; p <0.05) was low compared to the average requirement for these thyroid nutrients in children and adolescents with DS. Consumption of iodine and T4 concentrations (r = 0.512; p <0.03) showed positive correlation; Also, consumption of phenylalanine and tyrosine (r = 0.803; p <0.001). Conclusions: Organification disorders of thyroid hormones in DS does not justify the TD. Nutritional supplementation of thyroid nutrients providing a euthyroid condition that improves physical and cognitive development in individuals with DS is suggested.

Palavras-chave : Down syndrome; thyroid dysfunction; nutrition; children; adolescents.