Treatment of hyperthyroidism in children with antithyroid drugs
Thibault, H.; Clausse-Moysoulier, D.; Brauner, R.
Annales de Pediatrie 40(6): 341-347
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0066-2097 PMID: 8352494 Document Number: 418233
Sixteen cases of pediatric hyperthyroidism treated by antithyroid drugs are reported. First-line treatment with carbimazole in a mean dose of 19 mg/m2 initially and 7 mg/m2 after one year ensured control of the disease within 6 weeks. Mean follow-up was 4 years. Only two children were able to discontinue the drug, after 9.1 years and 4.6 years. Two other patients had thyroidectomy, after 6.7 years and 3.4 years. The main disadvantages of antithyroid drugs are the need for prolonged treatment and the risk of recurrence. An attempt at treatment discontinuation is warranted in patients with good disease control of 2 to 3 years duration, goiter size reduction, improved exophthalmos, and decreased anti-TSH receptor antibodies.