Prolonged ileus in an infant presenting with primary congenital hypothyroidism

Thyroid function screening and follow-up of children with abdominal distension in Nanjing, China: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the thyroid function test among children with abdominal distention and to follow up the treatment received by children with abnormal thyroid function.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1089 children (median age:30 days (IQR=21-60 days) with abdominal distension were included in this single centre study in Nanjing, China.

RESULT

Thyroid dysfunction was found in 43 of 148 Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) cases, with 3 (2.03%) having hypothyroidism, 3 (2.03%) having subclinical hypothyroidism and 3 (2.03%) having subclinical hyperthyroidism. Thyroid dysfunction was found in 206 of 941 functional abdominal distension cases, with 4 (0.43%) having hypothyroidism, 23 (2.4%) having subclinical hypothyroidism, 28 (2.9%) having subclinical hyperthyroidism and 1 (0.11%) having hyperthyroidism. Among total 65 cases (9 from HSCR, 56 from functional abdominal distension) diagnosed with thyroid diseases, 12 were treated with levothyroxine (LT-4), of which 9 were discontinued treatment at about 2 years old, and 3 were still receiving LT-4. Thirty-two cases received no treatment and thyroid function returned to normal in about 1 month. Twenty-one cases were lost during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The paediatrician should be vigilant for hypothyroidism when dealing with children with abdominal distension. Thyroid function should be followed up rather than simply administering a short-term levothyroxine treatment.

Successful Resolution of Fecal Impaction During Endoscopy Using a Looped Guidewire

Fecal impaction is the impaired excretion of a large fecal mass, and mild cases are treated by enema and osmotic laxatives. However, treatment-resistant cases need more invasive alternatives. A woman in her 60s presented with abdominal discomfort. Her abdomen was soft and without tenderness. Computed tomography revealed a large mass of feces in her sigmoid colon and no intestinal dilatation proximal to the mass. Endoscopy confirmed a fecal mass occupying the lumen. A glycerin enema, oral administration of polyethylene glycol, and enteral administration of amidotrizoic acid during colonoscopy were ineffective. We maneuvered a guidewire to form a loop at the tip of an endoscope, with which we subdivided the mass for successful removal. The patient's abdominal discomfort disappeared immediately. Endoscopic disimpaction is far less invasive than surgery and should be considered when treating fecal impaction cases, without severe obstructive colitis, which are nonresponsive to conservative treatment.

Untreated Congenital Hypothyroidism Mimicking Hirschsprung Disease: A Puzzling Case in a One-Year-Old Child

Congenital hypothyroidism is a clinical emergency due to its potential risk of mental retardation. Constipation might be present in hypothyroid children. However, Hirschsprung disease is rarely associated with congenital hypothyroidism. Herein, a case of congenital hypothyroidism in a one-year-old child mimicking Hirschsprung disease is described. Adequate treatment with levothyroxine sodium tablets controlled intestinal dysmotility that mimicked congenital intestinal aganglionosis due to the critical influence of thyroid hormones on bowel motility.

Congenital Bands with Intestinal Malrotation after Propylthiouracil Exposure in Early Pregnancy

Exposure to propylthiouracil in early pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of birth defects. But the spectrum of associated congenital anomalies is not yet well defined. While preliminary reports suggest that most cases of propylthiouracil-associated birth defects are restricted to the preauricular and urinary systems, careful consideration should be given to other possible manifestations of teratogenicity. We propose that congenital bands may potentially represent a rare yet serious complication of propylthiouracil exposure in early pregnancy, possibly arising from an early mesenteric developmental anomaly. We report a case of a 17-day-old girl that presented with acute small bowel obstruction associated with intestinal malrotation arising from several anomalous congenital bands. Her mother was treated for Graves' disease during pregnancy with first trimester exposure to propylthiouracil but remained clinically and biochemically euthyroid at conception and throughout the duration of pregnancy. This case suggests that the use of propylthiouracil in early pregnancy may be associated with congenital bands and intestinal malrotation. More reports are needed to further support this association.