scholarly journals Clinical experience with radioactive iodine in the treatment of childhood and adolescent Graves' disease

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriano N Cury ◽  
Verônica T Meira ◽  
Osmar Monte ◽  
Marília Marone ◽  
Nilza M Scalissi ◽  
...  

Background/aims Treatments for Graves' disease (GD) in children and adolescents include oral antithyroid drugs (ATDs), near total thyroidectomy, and radioactive iodine (RAI). ATDs remain the preferred choice in this age group, but because persistent remission occurs in 30% of cases, RAI is becoming a common option for definitive therapy. Methods We performed a review of 65 medical records of GD patients under age 19 years who were followed between 1985 and 2005. Results The prevalence of GD was higher in females (3:1) and during puberty (for both genders). If no remission was detected during ATD treatment, RAI was indicated when the following criteria were present: non-compliance, relapse, or side effects that were related to ATDs, large goiter, and long-term use of ATDs. The majority of patients developed hypothyroidism within 6 months after RAI. A progressive higher dose regimen was implemented in the last 10 years of the study period. A second RAI dose was necessary in eight cases. During the follow-up period, three pregnancies occurred. One patient with a thyroid nodule and benign cytology was detected. Conclusions RAI therapy is effective and safe in the treatment of GD in children and adolescents.

Author(s):  
Reuven Zev Cohen ◽  
Eric I. Felner ◽  
Kurt F. Heiss ◽  
J. Bradley Wyly ◽  
Andrew B. Muir

AbstractThe majority of pediatric patients with Graves’ disease will ultimately require definitive therapy in the form of radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation or thyroidectomy. There are few studies that directly compare the efficacy and complication rates between RAI and thyroidectomy. We compared the relapse rate as well as the acute and long-term complications of RAI and total thyroidectomy among children and adolescents with Graves’ disease treated at our center.Medical records from 81 children and adolescents with a diagnosis of Graves’ disease who received definitive therapy over a 12-year period were reviewed.Fifty one patients received RAI and 30 patients underwent thyroidectomy. The relapse rate was not significantly different between RAI and thyroidectomy (12.1% vs. 0.0%, p=0.28). There were no acute or long-term complications in the RAI group, but there were eight cases of hypoparathyroidism (two transient and six permanent) in the thyroidectomy group. None of the patients developed a recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.RAI is a safe and effective option for treatment of children and adolescents with Graves’ disease. In light of the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism seen at our center with thyroidectomy and previously published long-term safety of RAI, we recommend RAI as the first line treatment for children and adolescents with Graves’ disease. For those centers performing thyroidectomies, we recommend that each center select 1–2 high-volume pediatric surgeons to perform all thyroid procedures, allowing individuals to increases case volume and potentially decrease long-term complications of thyroidectomy.


Diagnosis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-145
Author(s):  
Pakaworn Vorasart ◽  
Chutintorn Sriphrapradang

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis is Graves’ disease, the determination of the cause of thyrotoxicosis is important for establishing appropriate management. Diagnosis of surreptitious ingestion of thyroid hormones or factitious thyrotoxicosis often presents a difficult challenge especially in a patient with previously diagnosed Graves’ disease. The objective of this report was to demonstrate various approaches to support the diagnosis of factitious thyrotoxicosis.Case presentationWe describe a patient with underlying Graves’ disease who underwent definitive therapy and needed long-term levothyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy. Later she developed thyrotoxicosis. Although factitious thyrotoxicosis was suspected because of very low thyroid uptake and low thyroglobulin (Tg) levels with the absence of thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAbs), she still refused any medication or substance use. After the administration of bile acid sequestrant, the thyroid hormone levels rapidly returned to normal within 1 month.ConclusionsThe diagnosis of factitious thyrotoxicosis is based upon the absence of goiter, suppressed serum Tg level, decreased radioactive iodine (RAI) uptake, and excellent response after cholestyramine treatment.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1957 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1097-1107
Author(s):  
Robert T. Soper ◽  
Edward E. Mason ◽  
Joseph A. Buckwalter

Eight cases of hypoparathynoidism in patients less than 17 years of age have been presented and discussed. One case was primary in type and seven were secondary to thyroidectomies performed for thyrotoxicosis or carcinoma of the thyroid gland. The similarity of symptomatology, time of onset, treatment and long-term management between cases of hypoparathyroidism in the younger age group and in adults has been emphasized. Prophylaxis against the development of hypoparathyroidism following thyroid surgeny is the responsibility of the surgeon. When present, the disorder must be recognized early and treated promptly with adequate dosages of appropriate drugs. Conscientious long-term clinical and laboratory follow-up examinations are necessary to avoid the serious complications of chronic hypocalcemia. Tests to quantitate more accurately degrees of parathyroid function are needed in secondary hypopanathyroidsm which is thought to be temporary in nature. Children and adolescents with hypopanathyroidism deserve special care in diagnosis, treatment and long-term management.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavel O. Rumiantsev ◽  
Marina S. Sheremeta ◽  
Alexey V. Kiyaev ◽  
Luydmila A. Kurmyshova ◽  
Olga A. Chikulaeva

There are three methods in treatment of Graves’ disease in children and adolescents – antithyroid drugs, surgery and radioiodine therapy (RIT). However, treatment protocol of children and adolescents doesn’t exist. In the present case series study we have evaluated the effectiveness and safety of RIT in children and adolescents. We have observed totally 25 patients in age 11–17 years old (mean 14.8 years) with Graves’ disease. Ten patients were treated with RIT in Endocrinology Research Centre (Moscow) in 2016 year with activities 550–920 MBq. Follow-up period varied 6–11 months in this subgroup. The second subgroup (15 patients) was treated in radiology department in Nijniy Tagil rural hospital (Ural region) in the period 2005–2012 years. Follow-up period varied 3.5–11.5 years (mean 8.5 years). RIT was executed in all patients without any complications, direct or long-term. In two patients having endocrine ophtalmopathy in non-active phase it was no any signs of worsening in result of RIT. In 17 (68%) of 25 patients the hypothyroidism occurred through 6 months. In one case – euthyroidism. In remain 7 observations the hyperthyroidism recurred. Patient subgroups didn’t differ in mean age, gender ratio, thyroid size and autoantibodies to TSH receptor levels, but were differed in treatment 131I activities (subset from ERC – 550–920 MBq; subset from Nijniy Tagil – 168–400 MBq). However the treatment efficacy did not differ significantly (p = 0.99): 68% and 73%, accordingly. In conclusion, RIT of Graves’ disease in a safe and effective method of treatment for hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents. It’s necessary to prolong study in numerous patients cohort, longer-lasting follow-up period as well as to improve RIT efficiency.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fereidoun Azizi ◽  
Atieh Amouzegar

Abstract Background: Diffuse toxic goiter accounts for about 15% of all childhood thyroid diseases. There is great controversy over the management of Graves’ disease in children and adolescents. This article reports our experience in 304 children and juvenile patients with Graves’ disease. Methods: Between 1981 and 2015, 304 patients aged 5–19 years with diffuse toxic goiter were studied, of whom 296 patients were treated with antithyroid drugs (ATD) for 18 months. Patients with persistent or relapsed hyperthyroidism who refused ablative therapy with surgery or radioiodine were managed with continuous methimazole (MMI) treatment. Results: In 304 patients (245 females and 59 males), the mean age was 15.6±2.6 years. After 18 months of ATD therapy, 37 remained in remission and of the 128 who relapsed, two, 29 and 97 patients chose surgery, continuous ATD and radioiodine therapy, respectively. Of the 136 patients who received radioiodine, 66.2% became hypothyroid. Twenty-nine patients received continuous ATD therapy for 5.7±2.4 years. The mean MMI dose was 4.6±12 mg daily, no serious complications occurred and all of them remained euthyroid during the follow-up. Less abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values were observed in these patients, as compared to patients who were on a maintenance dose of levothyroxine after radioiodine induced hypothyroidism. Conclusions: Original treatment with ATD and subsequent radioiodine therapy remain the mainstay of treatment for juvenile hyperthyroidism. Continuous ATD administration may be considered as another treatment modality for hyperthyroidism.


Author(s):  
Jung Gi Rho ◽  
Change Dae Kum ◽  
Young Jun Seo ◽  
Young Suk Shim ◽  
Hae Sang Lee ◽  
...  

1989 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. HEDLEY ◽  
R. E. YOUNG ◽  
S. J. JONES ◽  
W. D. ALEXANDER ◽  
P. D. BEWSHER ◽  
...  

1996 ◽  
Vol 134 (6) ◽  
pp. 710-715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claes Rudberg ◽  
Henry Johansson ◽  
Göran Åkerström ◽  
Torsten Tuvemo ◽  
F Anders Karlsson

Rudberg C, Johansson H, ÅÅ G, Tuvemo T, Karlsson FA. Graves' disease in children and adolescents. Late results of surgical treatment. Eur J Endocrinol 1996;134:710–5. ISSN0804–4643 All children and adolescents with Graves' disease in the county of Uppsala (catchment area population 250000) treated between 1970 and 1994 were evaluated in a retrospective study. The material comprised 31 patients with a mean age of 11 years (range 4–16), 29 (94%) of whom were girls, and four (13%) of the patients had Down's syndrome. Treatment was primarily conservative and surgery was considered if prolonged medical treatment failed. Lasting remission after antithyroid drug therapy (median 6.5 years; range 4.5–8 years) was noted in 6/31 patients (19%), three (10%) of whom subsequently developed hypothyroidism. Twenty-four of the remaining patients (77%) ultimately underwent subtotal (N=20) or total thyroidectomy (N=4) after experiencing one or more episodes of recurrent hyperthyroidism during medical treatment (median 6 years; range 0.5–11 years). After surgery one patient developed permanent hypocalcemia requiring low-dose vitamin D supplementation. During a postoperative follow-up period of 12.2 years (median: range 1–17 years), there were two cases of recurrent thyrotoxicosis, 1 and 10 years after surgery. The results underline that gender and Down's syndrome are risk factors of juvenile Graves' disease and that the disorder often is difficult to control by long-term medical therapy. In such cases thyroid surgery offers a safe and prompt reversal of the thyrotoxicosis. A proportion of the patients may ultimately develop hypothyroidism, substantiating a need for long-term follow-up of persons afflicted with Graves' disease early in life. F Anders Karlsson, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, S-751 85 Uppsala. Sweden


Author(s):  
Hossein Delshad ◽  
Miralireza Takyar

Context: Thyroid hormones can affect the development and function of the central nervous system and various other organs. As such, the pathologic excess of these hormones, known as thyrotoxicosis, can be the source of significant damage during childhood and adolescence. The objective of this study was to review the management of Graves’ disease (GD) in the pediatric age group, especially concerning long-term antithyroid drug (ATD) treatment. Evidence Acquisition: A thorough search of literature published from 1980 to 2019 was performed in PubMed only for English language literature. The following key terms were used: “Graves’ disease, hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis in children, thyrotoxicosis remission, thyrotoxicosis relapse, definite therapy, radioactive iodine, thyroidectomy, anti-thyroid drugs, propylthiouracil, methimazole, and carbimazole”. We also did a thorough search in review articles, observational studies, open-label/controlled randomized/non-randomized trials, and meta-analyses, as well as the articles cited by textbooks, chapters, and review articles, which led us to locate older sources of information on the topic. Results: More than 90% of thyrotoxicosis in the pediatric age group is attributable to GD. A host of strategies, including ATDs, radioiodine therapy, and surgery, are employed to treat this entity. However, there is still significant controversy regarding the most optimal strategy. Current evidence suggests that ATDs are the best initial treatment in pediatric patients with GD. Although ATDs are widely used, the duration of their administration is controversial and varies significantly between protocols. A major problem is the high relapse rate (up to 70%), but extending the duration of such treatment could potentially bring the remission rate up to 88%. Indications for using radioactive iodine treatment include the lack of remission following years of receiving ATDs, poor compliance, and the emergence of a major side effect. In pediatric patients aged five-years-old or younger who suffer from very large goiter, severe ophthalmopathy, and persistent hyperthyroidism, as well as those with the lack of response to or showing adverse effects of ATDs, it is advisable to consider total or near-total thyroidectomy. Conclusions: Antithyroid drugs are the mainstay of treatment of juvenile GD, and long-term methimazole therapy increases the remission rate in pediatric GD.


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