Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction among Children with Type I Diabetes Mellitus in Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children, Anbar, Iraq

Background: Thyroid dysfunction and type I diabetes mellitus (TIDM) often coexist. Many studies reported a higher prevalence of thyroid diseases among patients with diabetes. However, there is no local relevant study on this subject.Objective: To determine the prevalence of thyroid diseases among children with TIDM at Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children from October 1, 2022, to May 1, 2023. Children aged 2-16 years of both sexes with TIDM who attended the hospital for any complaints were enrolled. All patients were screened for thyroid dysfunction.Results: Of 190 children with TIDM, 25 (13.2%) had thyroid disorders. Children with thyroid dysfunction had significantly higher rates of parental consanguinity, diabetic ketoacidosis, hospital admissions, and chest infections (P-value < 0.05). Children with thyroid disorders had a significantly higher rate of positive anti-thyroid peroxidase and antithyroglobulin antibodies (P-value < 0.05). Glycated hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in children with thyroid dysfunction than in those with normal thyroid function. Glycated hemoglobin levels were significantly correlated with  thyroid-stimulating hormone (P-value < 0.05).Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction is a common comorbidity in children with TIDM. Affected patients exhibit a higher rate of diabetic ketoacidosis, hospital admission, and chest infection.