P300 event-related potential in children with hypothyroidism.

Background: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder, which adversely affects the developing central nervous system in the pediatric population. Despite treatment, patients may continue to experience neurological impairments such as cognitive dysfunction. P300 is an event-related potential (ERP) which is often considered as a marker for cognition. In this study, P300 was recorded in hypothyroid children.

Materials and methods: This study involved 52 children between the ages of 8 and 15 years who were newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Auditory P300 latencies and amplitudes were recorded in the study population at the time of diagnosis, 1-month and 6-months follow-up. A P value of < 0.05 was assigned for statistical significance, and Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess the same.

Results: Although the amplitudes and latencies of P300 appeared to increase and decrease respectively, during successive follow-ups compared to the values recorded at the time of diagnosis. However, these changes were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: This study did not show any significant changes in P300 latencies and amplitudes. A shorter follow-up timeframe and a smaller sample size are possible limitations of this study. There is a possibility that P300 may show considerable changes over a longer course of disease management.