Abstract
Thyroglobulin autoantibodies were detected in 23 of 146 (16%) consecutive patients admitted to hospital because of other than thyroid diseases. A thyroid disorder was found in 9 of the 20 children who underwent thorough examination (45%). Two had an autoimmune thyroiditis, and 5 had nontoxic diffuse goiter. One child had a granulomatous thyroiditis, and 1 had a secondary hypothyroidism. Twelve children (60%) had a positive heredity for thyroid disease, and 7 (35%) had another autoimmune disease. Therefore, in children with positive heredity for thyroid disease or with another autoimmune disease, evaluation of the thyroid function is recommended.
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