Pediatric Graves' disease

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 names after Dr. Robert Graves (an Irish physician) who described this form of myperthyroidism over 150 years ago.

Risk factors

• Graves’ disease is a lot more common in girls than in boys. 

• 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?

• Unexplained weight loss

• Increased appetite

• Poor weight gain despite adequate caloric intake

• Goiter (enlarged thyroid)

• Increased number of bowel movements

• Rapid heartbeat

• High blood pressure

• 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