[Graves-Basedow's disease in childhood and adolescence: clinical and biologic features in 49 patients].
BACKGROUND
Graves' disease is rare in childhood and adolescence.


METHODS
Six boys and 43 girls between the ages of 2 and 18 years were evaluated. All presented diffuse goiter and symptomatology of hyperthyroidism. Concentrations of T4, FT4, T3 and TSH were determined by RIA with various sensitivities during the study. Thyroid antibodies were determined by hemagglutination. All patients were treated with antithyroid drugs.


RESULTS
In five patients, growth velocity increased. In a further five patients association with other autoimmune diseases was detected. Quetelet's index was between the 90th and 97th percentiles in five patients and between 3rd and 10th in eight. Biochemical results were as follows: T4: 282.41 +/- 1.1 nmol/1; FT4: 62.98 +/- 1.1 pmol/l; T3: 4.92 +/- 0. 07 nmol/l) and TSH: > 0.002-0.001 mU/l. Values of TSI/TRAb were 33. 23 +/- 1.95 U/l. Four total remissions and 1 partial remission were observed. Four patients underwent surgery and eight received radioiodine.


CONCLUSIONS
Few remissions were obtained with medical treatment. Radioiodine seems to be a therapeutic alternative.
Pavía Sesma
C
C
Sección de Endocrinología, Unitat Integrada Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona.
Villanueva Lamas
J
J
Torres Lacruz
M
M
Valls Tolosa
C
C
Rodríguez Hierro
F
F
Martín Ramos
M R
MR
Mañé Herrero
S
S
Cedó Rigalt
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies