Thyroid Disorders POSNA Core Curriculum

Description: Objectives 1. Discuss the effect of thyroid hormone on normal growth 2. Describe the clinical features of hypothyroidism in children 3. Describe radiographic findings associated with hypothyroidism 4. Describe the effect of calcitonin on bone and kidney 5. Discuss the orthopaedic condition most associated with hypothyroidism in children Thyroid function plays a critical role in the normal growth and development of children. Cretinism, an unambiguously unflattering term, is used to describe the effects of hypothyroidism in the newborn. Affected infants demonstrate short stature, mental retardation, developmental delay, coarse hair, constipation, and a protruding tongue. In the older child, the major features are related to growth delay and lethargy. Sluggish reflexes are an important physical sign of hypothyroidism.