[Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis in children and adolescents: apropos of 51 cases]. / La tiroiditis crónica linfocitaria en la infancia y la adolescencia: a propósito de 51 observaciones.

Fifty one patients were diagnosed as having chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, according the Fisher's criteria. Their ages range was between 4.2 to 17.8 years. According to their basal values of T4 and TSH, they were divided into the following groups: 1. Euthyroids (n = 14), with both thyroxine and thyrotrophin, within normal limits. 2. Hypothyroid group (n = 37), subdivided into: 2.a normal T4 and elevated TSH (n = 18); 2.b low T4 with high TSH (n = 19). The TRH test showed an exaggerated TSH response in four cases in the euthyroid group, and in all the cases of hypothyroid group. This test carried out at the time of diagnosis, can show up alterations in thyroid function, which are not detected by basal assessments of T4 and TSH. The most frequent isotope scan image, was that of a unilateral decreased uptake in one lobe. We consider it to be of graf interest, given that the fine biopsies performed in this area were all positive.

[Thyroid autoimmunity in type I (insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus]. / Autoinmunidad tiroidea en la diabetes mellitus tipo I (insulino-dependiente).

225 diabetic children aged 4-18 years, were screened for antithyroid antibodies. 120 of them were determined at onset of diabetes mellitus. In the remaining patients, duration of diabetes ranged from 6 months to 8 years. The overall prevalence of thyroid antibodies was 14.19% (21/148), while positive titres were found in 10.39% (8/77), at onset. Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis was diagnosed in 16 patients. No growth retardation was observed. Thyroxine therapy was started in all hypothyroid cases. We conclude that antithyroid antibodies screening in well indicated in diabetic children in view of their high prevalence and strong association with chronic thyroiditis.