Abstract
Our first 26 hypothyroid patients to complete the third grade were tested for IQ, school achievement, and various neuropsychologic functions. Their results were compared to those of 44 age and sex matched classmates. Their rates of progress and difficulties in school were compared to those of 36 siblings. Because it has been iterated in the literature that patients with infantile hypothyroidism, even with normal IQs, have school learning problems, the correlation of IQ with school achievement test scores was analyzed for the patients analyzed for the patients and their classmates. All testing was conducted during the summer vacation. The patients repeated fewer grades by the end of 3 grades than had their siblings. The same percentage of patients and siblings required special help at school such as tutoring, use of resource room, or special education classes. No significant difference in test results or correlation of IQ and achievement scores was found comparing patients and appropriate controls. The mean and SEM for IQ of the patients and of their classmates were 109.2 ± 2.1 v 110.9 ± 1.8. The Peabody Achievement Test scores expressed as grade achieved minus grade placement were: math 1.4 ± .08 v 1.3 ± .06, reading recognition 1.5 ± .07 v 1.4 ± .06, reading comprehension 1.4 ± .07 v 1.5 ± .05, spelling 1.4 ± .07 v 1.4 ± .07, general information 1.3 ± .06 v 1.4 ± .05. The examiners were unaware of the identity of the subjects. Unless a patient or mother mentioned previous testing in the study, the reliability of the examiners in identifying the patients was no greater than chance.
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Hypothyroidism Collaborative, N. PRELIMINARY REPORT ON PATIENTS WITH INFANTILE HYPOTHYROIDISM AFTER THE THIRD GRADE. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 243 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00458
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00458