Imaging Brain Structures in Children with Congenital Hypothyroidism
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Imaging brain structures in children with congenital hypothyroidism
IRAS ID
142707
Contact name
Christopher Clark
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UCL Institute of Child Health
Research summary
The study will investigate whether imaging techniques known as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can be used to find abnormalities in children diagnosed with, and treated early for, congenital hypothyroidism. Great improvements have been made in the outcome of infants diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism with the advent of newborn screening for the disorder. However, subtle neurological deficits, including difficulties with hearing and speech and language development, have been described in some patients despite early detection and treatment.
Up to 20% of children with congenital hypothyroidism are identified with a hearing loss and reports of difficulties with speech development, hearing and attention are common. These problems can lead to reading and learning difficulties and poorer educational attainment. The underlying neurological bases of these deficits are not well understood and work is needed to further understanding in order to properly target therapies to affected children.
Children aged 8-16 who have congenital hypothyroidism will be recruited and will undergo MRI scanning, and auditory and speech testing which will take a maximum of one day per child. Testing will be conducted at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0115
Date of REC Opinion
24 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion