Thyroid Guidance

Thyroid Function

Venepuncture at age 6months, 1 year and annually thereafter throughout life - To check T4, TSH and thyroid antibodies. (Guidance changed in Winter 2019 to annual testing and starting at 6 months).

Where the T4 is normal and the child is asymptomatic, but there is a mildly raised TSH (less than or equal to 10mu/l) or thyroid antibodies are present, re-check after 6 months. A specialist opinion may be warranted.

Have a low threshold for testing thyroid function at other times if clinically indicated, eg lethargy and/or changes in affect, cognition, growth, or weight. Testing should be continued throughout life.

If a child is already under the endocrinology team on Thyroxine supplements, please leave monitoring of TFTs with the endocrine team.

Thyroid Disorder - A Guide for Parents

• Thyroid disorder information for parents on the Down's Syndrome Association website.

Thyroid Disorder - A Guide for Professionals

• Annual check information for GPs on the Down's Syndrome Association website.
• Guidance for Essential Medical Surveillance on the Down's Syndrome Medical Interest Group website.
• Thyroid Disorder in Children and Young People with Down Syndrome - Document on the Down's Syndrome Medical Interest Group website.