Health & body · 1989
How common are thyroid problems in children treated for brain tumours?
Raised concentrations were found in 11 of 47 children (23%) who had spinal irradiation and 20 of 29 patients (69%) who had spinal irradiation plus chemotherapy. Cranial irradiation did not affect thyroid function, but raised concentrations were found in two of four patients who had cranial irradiation plus chemotherapy.
Details
The researchers investigated thyroid function in a study of 119 survivors of treatment for brain tumours that did not involve the hypothalamo-pituitary region. The abstract does not specify a more detailed study design.
Cranial irradiation did not affect thyroid function, but 11 of 47 children (23%) who had spinal irradiation had raised concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Chemotherapy was associated with a further increase in the incidence of thyroid dysfunction: raised TSH concentrations were found in two of four patients who had cranial irradiation and chemotherapy, and in 20 of 29 patients (69%) who had spinal irradiation and chemotherapy.
Only six patients with raised TSH concentrations had low serum thyroxine concentrations. Four children had secondary hypothyroidism.
The authors concluded that thyroid function should be monitored in children who have received chemotherapy or radiotherapy. They identified a rise in TSH concentrations as the most sensitive indicator of thyroid dysfunction. They recommended treating children who have raised TSH concentrations with thyroxine.
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