Hyperthyroidism, Graves Disease
Description Diagnostic criteria Medicine treatment Referral ICD-10 Code: E05.9 / E05.0 DESCRIPTION Hyperthyroidism is a pathological syndrome in which tissue is exposed to excessive amounts of circulating thyroid hormones. The most common cause is Grave’s disease, although thyroiditis may also present with thyrotoxicosis. DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA Clinical Poor school performance. Warm moist hands. Tac
DESCRIPTION
Hyperthyroidism is a pathological syndrome in which tissue is exposed to excessive amounts of circulating thyroid hormones.
The most common cause is Grave’s disease, although thyroiditis may also present with thyrotoxicosis.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
Clinical
- Poor school performance.
- Warm moist hands.
- Tachycardia
- Nervousness or anxiety.
- Thyromegaly
- Weight loss.
- Tremor
- Palpitations.
- Proptosis
- Heat intolerance.
- Fatigue
Investigations
- Elevated thyroxine (T4) and suppressed TSH.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
- Carbimazole, oral, 0.5 mg/kg once daily.
AND
To block sympathetic hyperactivity:
- Atenolol, oral, 1–2 mg/kg as a single daily dose.
For children less than 10 kg:
- Propranolol, oral, 0.2–0.5 mg/kg 6–12 hourly.
- Maximum dose: 1.5 mg/kg/dose 6–12 hourly.
REFERRAL
- All patients for confirmation of diagnosis, initiation and follow-up of therapy.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Paediatrics, 2023 Edition
Chapter 7: Endocrine, 7.14 Hyperthyroidism, Graves Disease