Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism  2014;19(3):122-126

doi:10.6065/apem.2014.19.3.122

The treatment of Graves' disease in children and adolescents.

Hae Sang LEE 1 ; Jin Soon HWANG

Affiliations

+expand

Keywords

Hyperthyroidism; Graves' disease; Antithyroid agents

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Graves' disease (GD) accounts for 10%-15% of thyroid disorders in children and adolescents. The use of antithyroid drugs as the initial treatment option in GD is well accepted. An average two years remission is achieved in about 30% of children treated with antithyroid drugs. However, the optimal treatment duration and the predictive marker of remission after antithyroid drug therapy are still controversial. Additionally, 131I therapy and surgery are considered the option for treatment in children and adolescents with GD. We review the treatment options for pediatric GD and the possible determinants of remission and relapse on antithyroid drug treatment in children and adolescents.