Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases in Children and Adolescents with Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young Type 2

Background/Aim: The relationship between type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and autoimmune thyropathies is well known and has been described in the literature. Based on present knowledge, the relationship between thyropathies and other forms of diabetes, such as monogenic diabetes, has not been investigated. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATD) in children and adolescents with maturity onset diabetes of the young type 2 (MODY2) in comparison with patients with T1DM and a control group. Patients and Methods: We examined 23 children and adolescents with MODY2 (11 F/12 M; 13.5 ± 5.3 years) and 166 patients with T1DM (80 F/86 M; 14.0 ± 4.7 years). The control group consisted of 62 age-matched healthy subjects (34 F/28 M). ATD diagnosis was based on the finding of one or more positive thyroid autoantibodies and characteristic thyroid ultrasound lacking homogeneity, with a hypogenic or mixed echo pattern. Results: ATD was diagnosed in 15 (10.5%; 9 F/6 M) patients with T1DM, in 4 with MODY2 (17.4%; 4 F), and in 1 (1.6%) control. A significantly higher ATD prevalence was detected in T1DM and MODY2 compared to the control subjects (p = 0.02), without differences between T1DM and MODY2 (p = 0.26). There were no gender differences noted in T1DM (p = 0.42); on the contrary, in MODY2 a higher prevalence was noted in females (p = 0.04). Celiac disease and a positive family history of ATD were not detected in subjects with MODY2. Conclusion: Our study showed an increased prevalence of ATD in patients with MODY2. Therefore, a careful follow-up of all children with MODY2 is recommended in order to assess the presence of thyroid disorders. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.