CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM AND IMMUNODEFICIENCY - EVIDENCE FOR AN ENDOCRINE-IMMUNE INTERACTION

Bi-directional interactions between the endocrine and immune systems h ave been well described, particularly in relation to the growth hormon e and adrenal axes. The possible effects of the thyroid gland on the i mmune system have not been clearly elucidated. This report describes a patient with congenital hypothyroidism and immune deficiency characte rized by severe and persistent lymphopenia. The clinical course was pu nctuated by recurrent episodes of respiratory symptoms (in association with bronchiectasis) and diarrhea. The child ultimately died from ove rwhelming respiratory infection. It is proposed that the prolonged def iciency of thyroid hormone may be directly related to the impairment o f the cellular immune system.