Screening Guidelines for Thyroid Function in Children With Alopecia Areata
December 2017
in “
JAMA dermatology
”
TLDR Children with alopecia areata should only have thyroid screening if they have Down syndrome, a history of atopy, family history of thyroid disease, or signs of thyroid problems.
The document discussed the importance of screening for thyroid dysfunction in children with alopecia areata (AA), noting a higher prevalence of thyroid abnormalities in these patients compared to the general population. A retrospective review of 298 children with AA found significant associations between thyroid abnormalities and a history of Down syndrome, atopy, and family history of thyroid disease. The study recommended regular thyroid function tests for early detection and management of thyroid issues, particularly in patients with these specific medical histories, to improve health outcomes and potentially mitigate the progression of AA while reducing unnecessary testing and healthcare costs.
