Abstract
The natural history of thyroid function in adults with Down syndrome (DS) is unknown. This study investigated annual thyroid function tests in 200 adults with DS over a 10-year period. Transient and persistent thyroid dysfunction was common. The 5- and 10-year incidence of definite hypothyroidism was 0.9%-1.64% and 13.6%, respectively. Subclinical hypothyroidism was not found to be an early sign for definite hypothyroidism. Routine screening for adults with DS who are euthyroid can be reduced to every 5 years rather than the present policy of every 1-2 years.

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