TSH is a thyroid-stimulating hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland and provides regulation of the thyroid gland functioning. Determining the level of TTG in children helps to assess the functioning of the thyroid gland. In children of different ages, the TSH level is very different. Normally, the TSH level in newborns is high and varies from 1.1 to 17 in international units (mIU / L). In 2,5 - 3 month old babies the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone is in the range 0,6 - 10. The one-year-old baby does not exceed 7 units. The hormone TSH in children of school age is the same as in an adult, and is 0.6-5.5 mIU / L.
Change in the level of TSH
The fact that TTG in a very young child is elevated, is caused by the need for high levels of hormones for the development of the nervous system. As the nervous system develops, the level of thyroid hormones should decrease, increasing TSH in children can be a sign of dangerous diseases: pituitary tumors, adrenal insufficiency and even mental illness. If the level of TTG at birth is very low, it is possible that the child has an innate disease that develops into mental retardation without the necessary treatment.
Diagnosis of the level of TTG
Children's diseases of the thyroid gland have the same clinic as the diseases in adults. With the help of a blood test determine the compliance of TTG norm in children. The level of one or several hormones is established: TRH, which is produced by the hypothalamus; TTG, secreted by the pituitary gland as a reaction to an increase in the level of TRH; T3 and T4, stimulating the thyroid gland. All tests give the doctor a fairly complete picture of the health status of the subject.
High-level manifestations of TTG
A high level of TSH is hyperthyroidism. The following symptoms are indicative of thyroid dysfunction: irritability, exophthalmos (bulging eyes), vomiting, diarrhea, delayed development, goiter. If hyperthyroidism has developed at school age, the consequence may be a delay in growth and puberty. In adolescents, symptoms of impaired thyroid function are an increase
Low level of TSH
The lowered level of TSH - hypothyroidism , may be associated with insufficient thyroid function or caused by external causes. Hypothyroidism, if not started in time to treat, causes serious consequences - the development of cretinism and death.
Treatment
If the child has a high level of TSH, it is necessary to carry out treatment aimed at normalizing the level of hormones. For this, with hyperthyroidism, radioactive iodine, antithyroid drugs are used, and surgical intervention is also performed. Persons born with hypothyroidism throughout life are undergoing substitution therapy.