Hypothyroidism screening in children: Views of primary health care physicians from a medium-sized city
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5712/rbmfc11(38)1088Keywords:
Hypothyroidism, Child Screening, Primary Health CareAbstract
Objective: To determine which parameters are used by primary care physicians of São Carlos city, SP, Brazil, to screen thyroid function in children and adolescents, which tests are required for the assessment, and what options are provided to patients with abnormal results. Methods: This was a descriptive study in which 26 professionals participated, corresponding to 96.3% of all primary care physicians who provide medical care to children and adolescents. The participants provided written answers for questions regarding the 3 most common situations in clinical practice that warranted a hypothyroidism screening test in the pediatric population; the laboratory tests required for the assessment, and the options provided to patients with abnormal results. Results: The most common clinical situations identified by the physicians as indications for evaluation of thyroid function were obesity (23 answers; 88.5%), short stature (16 answers; 61.5%), and Down syndrome (8 answers; 30.8%). Nine physicians (34.6%) screened thyroid function by using the TSH and FT4 tests, whereas 9 other physicians (34.6%) used only the TSH test. In case of abnormal results, most physicians referred the patient to a pediatric endocrinologist (14 answers; 53.8%). Conclusion: Thus, the findings of this study indicate that thyroid function tests are routinely ordered by primary care physicians for the follow-up of obese children. As childhood obesity is highly prevalent, it may lead to a significant increase in health service costs and overload secondary care services.
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