Pediatric Graves' Disease
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder, a disease in which the immune system attacks healthy organs or tissue (in this case, the thyroid). It is a major cause of hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents.
What is Pediatric Graves' Disease?
The exact cause of Graves’ disease is unknown. As with all autoimmune diseases, it is believed that it may be caused by genetic factors or by a previous viral or bacterial infection. Graves’ disease is a lot more common in girls than in boys.
Risk factors
Family history of thyroid disease
Previous history of autoimmune disease (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, lupus)
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Graves' Disease?
Increased appetite
Poor weight gain despite adequate caloric intake
Goiter: enlarged thyroid
Increased number of bowel movements
Rapid heartbeat
Nervousness
Irritability
Difficulty sleeping
Bulging eyes
How is Pediatric Graves' Disease diagnosed?
There are several methods used for diagnosing Graves’ disease. Your child’s doctor may use a combination of these methods:
History and physical exam
Blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels
Radioactive iodine uptake test (a noninvasive test to determine how much radioactive iodine is absorbed by the thyroid gland over a period of time)
How is Pediatric Graves' Disease treated?
Treatment for Graves’ disease may include:
Anti-thyroid medication to slow the production of thyroid hormones
Radioactive iodine: a liquid that is absorbed into the thyroid and reduces the gland’s size and activity
Surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland
Pediatric Graves' Disease Doctors and Providers
