Aims: We tested whether brain event-related potentials (ERPs) are normal in children with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) after early high-dose levothyroxine treatment. Methods: Auditory ERPs were recorded in 33 normal controls and in 15 children with CH at 5 years 9/12. Based on bone maturation at diagnosis, the CH group was divided into severe (n = 8) and moderate (n = 7) subgroups. CH patients were treated at a median age of 14 days with a mean initial dose of levothyroxine of 11.6 µg/kg·day. Two ERP components (N100 and N200) were measured and clinical follow-up variables collected. Results: The functional anatomical and cognitive organisation of the auditory system, as revealed by the analyses of ERP measures, did not differ between CH and controls, or between severe and moderate CH subjects. However, N200 latency was globally longer in the CH than in the control group (p = 0.01) and was positively correlated with the over-treatment index (r = 0.61; p < 0.05) and verbal IQ. N200 amplitude was negatively correlated with initial dose (r = –0.74; p < 0.005). Conclusion: These data suggest that sensitive tools such as ERPs can reveal differences between CH and controls and relate these differences to the adequacy of treatment of CH.
Parents and caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often report that their children are picky, restricted, and problem eaters. Additionally, it has been reported that children with ASD often experience gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, cramping, bloating, and diffuse pain. These factors raise concern for nutritional status of children with ASD, given that the refusal to consume particular foods coupled with the inability to tolerate, digest, and absorb these foods can compromise an individual's overall nutrition status. The aim of our study was to evaluate dietary intake in a group of 120 children aged 2-14 years who were served in an outpatient clinic over 18 months' time. Anthropometric data and 3-day food diaries were collected and evaluated by a licensed, registered dietician. The results indicate that the majority of participants consumed adequate calories, protein, fats, and carbohydrates. However, the majority of participants were deficient in vitamins A, D, B1, and folate, as well as calcium, magnesium, iodine, and potassium. Essential fatty acid intake was insufficient for all but 6 of the participants. Overall, the study revealed deficits in several key nutrients for the majority of participants.
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