View report page

—65 —
Associated Symptoms.—There was a notable lack of symptoms
in the cases of thyroid enlargement discovered, the majority being
in excellent health. One boy had dyspnoea on exertion, was
anaemic, easily tired, and had a pulmonary systolic bruit accentuated
by exercise. One boy and one girl had poor peripheral
circulation and were prone to chilblains.
Two children were of a nervous disposition and rather excitable
but had no signs of organic disease; and in one case only was there
habitual constipation. In no case was there any evidence of
hyperthyroidism.
Pulse Rate.—Note was made of the pulse rate of all cases,
but allowing for the increased rate due to temporary excitement
the pulse-frequencies were not considered abnormal.
Teeth.—The state of the dentition appeared to have no bearing
upon the thyroid swellings. The age of the children examined—
12 years and upwards—is the age at which the school child's teeth
are least affected by dental caries; and in children presenting
enlarged thyroids the teeth were, on the whole, excellent.
Diet.—All cases appeared to be on an ordinary mixed diet, and
no child appeared to have had insufficient food. In some cases
there was an objection to fats, but such an objection is commonly
encountered among children. The presence—or absence—of any
special article of diet appeared to have no bearing upon the thyroid
swellings.
Conclusions.—The occurrence of visible thyroid enlargement
among Ealing children of 12 years and upwards is infrequent. Only
1.8 per . were affected.
Girls were affected more frequertly than boys, the proportion
being nearly 3 to 1.
The occurrence of thyroid enlargement did not appear to be
influenced by such factors as diet, locality, housing conditions,
water supply or dentition.