(Open access funding provided by Semmelweis University)
(ÚNKP-22-3-I)
(ÚNKP-22–3-I-SE-58)
Rapidly evolving clinical data suggest that the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and
vaccination against COVID-19 might be associated with thyroid disturbances. However,
studies remain limited among the pediatric population . Our aim was to assess the
prevalence and permanence of thyroid autoimmunity (TA) and dysfunction in children
after an acute infection and its potential association with vaccination. A prospective,
multicenter registry analysis was performed among 458 children (mean age: 12.4 ± 3,8
years, 45.4% male) with preceding COVID-19. Patient inclusion lasted from 24 th March,
2021 to 23 rd March, 2022 at three pediatric outpatient facilities at Semmelweis University,
Budapest. Primary outcomes were the rate of thyroid disturbances assessed by laboratory
parameters (thyroid function tests, antithyroglobulin [ATG] and anti-thyroid peroxidase
[ATPO] antibodies) and thyroid ultrasound. TA rate among vaccinated and unvaccinated
children was determined. Children with newly diagnosed thyroid alterations were followed
up for 12.7 ± 4.3 months. Six children had previous thyroid disease. Out of 452 children,
30 cases (6.6%) of newly diagnosed TA (six of them had abnormal thyroid-stimulating
hormone [TSH] levels) and eight cases (1.8%) of isolated TSH elevation were observed.
Ultrasound-proven autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) was 4.0%. No association was found
between COVID-19 vaccination and thyroid autoimmunity (χ 2 (1,N = 452) = 0.138, p
= 0.815). Among children with TA, 73.3% had long-lasting alterations.
