Age-related Variation in TSH Levels in Patients with Down’s Syndrome -A Ten Year Longitudinal Study

Background: A well-established finding is that thyroid disease is seen more commonly in individuals suffering from Down’s Syndrome than in people without the condition. Patients are at risk from childhood to adulthood. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels are essential for diagnosing and managing hypothyroidism. Thyroid dysfunction increases with age in individuals diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome, according to a study undertaken by Karlsson B et al. in 1998. Our study aims at investigating the TSH level variations over a 10-year period, in individuals affected by Down’s Syndrome, belonging to different age groups. Materials and Methods: Present study was conducted to include 40 individuals between the ages of 9 years to 27 years who were assessed at the ‘Down Syndrome Care Association, Nashik, India’. Between 2009 and 2019, annual testing of thyroid function status was conducted and TSH levels in collected samples were analyzed. Five Different age groups, (9 - 15 years, 16 - 22 years, 23 - 29 years and 30 - 36 years) were identified, and data was segregated. Statistical analysis was performed over collected data and results were drawn. Results: The TSH levels in 9-15 years ranged between 5.21 mU/L - 7.13 mU/L, in 16-22 years, it was 5.66 mU/L - 6.56 mU/L, in 23-29 years, it was 4.33 mU/L - 7.37 mU/L and in 30-36 years it was 3.62 mU/L - 9.43 mU/L. Conclusion: Variations are observed in the fluctuating TSH values in individuals with Down’s Syndrome belonging to different age groups. Periodic analysis of thyroid function is recommended highly as age increases since variations in TSH levels are seen to have a direct relation to it.