EVOLUTION OF HEIGHT AND BONE-AGE IN PRIMARY CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM

Thyroid hormones are fundamental for growth and bone maturity. Retarde d physical and osseous development signals congenital hypothyroidism. This study assessed the evolution of height and bone age and final hei ght after hormone replacement treatment in 25 patients with primary co ngenital hypothyroidism. Bone ages, measured periodically for 12 years after treatment began, were expressed as standard deviation scores (S DS) corresponding to chronologic age. Heights were expressed as SDS an d related to standardized curves and genetic height. All patients expe rienced height recovery during the first year. Of 19 patients who reac hed their final height, 16 surpassed the expected mean for genetic hei ght. Bone age accelerated progressively, with total recovery toward di e diird year, and remained accelerated, reaching +1.43 +/- 1.27 in rel ation to chronologic age 12 years after hormone replacement began. Thu s, early diagnosis and adequate treatment of congenital hypothyroidism improved growth and osseous development, although progressive acceler ation of bone age may have limited final height in some children.