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Hypothyroidism, Acquired, Pediatric

Adda Grimberg, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Hypothyroidism that occurs after the neonatal period 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • May develop at any age

  • Autoimmune thyroid disorders occur more frequently in children and adolescents with type 1 diab...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Linear growth failure can be the first sign of thyroid dysfunction.

  • Declining school performance is a sensitive marker for lethargy and reduced focus.

  • Radiation exposure, history of typ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Weight loss may normalize subclinical hypothyroidism seen in obese children. 

MEDICATION

l-Thyroxine (synthetic thyroid hormone) replacement 
  • Indicated for the treatment of over...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Whenever starting medication or adjusting dose, check T4 and TSH at 4- to 6-week intervals to assess adequacy of the new dose; need to wait this...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Ban Y, Tomer Y. Genetic susceptibility in thyroid autoimmunity. Pediatr Endocrinol Rev.  2005;3(1):20–32. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Child CJ, Blum WF, Deal C, et al. Devel...

CODES

ICD9

  • 244.9 Unspecified acquired hypothyroidism

  • 244.8 Other specified acquired hypothyroidism

  • 245.2 Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis

  • 246.8 Other specified disorders of thyroid

ICD10

  • E03.9 Hypothyroidism...

FAQ

  • Q: What happens if my child forgets a dose?

  • A: Give the dose as soon as you remember. If it is the next day, give 2 doses.

  • Q: How long will my child have to take these pills?

  • A: Probably for life.

  • Q: ...

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