The treatment of Graves’ disease in children and adolescents

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.