Thyrotoxicosis in Children: A Follow-up Study

Abstract

In an attempt to assess the value of medical therapy of thyrotoxicosis in children, the progress of 33 children was studied. Most were girls and the onset of symptoms occurred at all ages after 4 years. The more valuable diagnostic features were nervousness, proptosis, goiter, tachycardia, sweating, and abnormal movements. Excessive growth was common. Abnormal behavior tended to delay the diagnosis. Special investigations were of relatively slight value in the initial diagnosis but facilitated the later supervision. One of 9 children treated by operation died; one more has relapsed. All except 1 of 23 who were given adequate medical therapy were controlled without difficulty. About one-third have remained euthyroid for over a year after the cessation of therapy. Similar proportions have relapsed either on maintenance therapy or within a year or so of its cessation. The slightly lower dosage of drugs used (compared with other series) may have accounted for this less satisfactory result and for the lower incidence of drug toxicity.