What is the Remission Rate for Antithyroid Drug Treatment for Hyperthyroidism in Children?

Discussion The thyroid gland secrets two hormones – T4 which is a prohormone and T3 which is the biologically active hormone. Receptors for T3 are found in nearly all body tissues. T3 regulates metabolism and energy production. Organs most affected are the heart, liver and central nervous system as well as growth of the fetus and child. Hyperthyroidism is common with a prevalence rate of about 1-2% for women and 0.2% for men. The most common cause of thyrotoxicosis is Grave’s disease where autoantibodies to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) exist. These autoantibodies attach to thyroid tissue TSH receptors and increase the production of T4 and T3. Grave’s disease often co-occurs with other autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis and also with Turner’s, Down’s and Di George syndromes. Children only account for about 1-2% of all patients with Grave’s disease. Signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis include: Cardiovascular – tachycardia, palpitations, shortness of breath, arrhythmias, hypertension and high output failure Eyes – soreness and irritation, staring, eyelid retraction, periorbital edema, ophthalmoplegia, conjunctival injection Gastrointestinal – weight loss, increased appetite Genital system – Oligomenorrhea, decreased fertility, reduced libido in men Musculoskeletal – muscle weakness or tremor, muscle wasting Neck – neck swelling Nervous system &#...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news