GuidelinesPrimary Care STG
Hypothyroidism in Children and Adolescents
Hypothyroidism
ICD-10 Code: E03.0-5/E03.8-9
DESCRIPTION
-
Hypothyroidism in children causes decreased growth, lethargy, cold intolerance and dry skin. Physical signs may include goitre, short stature, bradycardia and delayed deep tendon reflexes
-
Congenital hypothyroidism may present in childhood. Acquired hypothyroidism in children and adolescents may be caused by:
-
Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis
-
Radioactive iodine
-
iodine deficiency
-
Infiltrations
-
Surgery
-
DIAGNOSIS
-
Elevated TSH and low T4 concentrations
MEDICINE TREATMENT
-
Levothyroxine, oral, 100 mcg/m2 once daily, preferably on an empty stomach (Doctor initiated)
REFERRAL
-
All cases for investigation and initiation of therapy
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare Level, 2024 Edition
Drugs mentioned
ICD-10 codes
- E03.0Congenital hypothyroidism with diffuse goitre
- E03.1Congenital hypothyroidism without goitre
- E03.2Hypothyroidism due to medicaments and other exogenous substances
- E03.3Postinfectious hypothyroidism
- E03.4Atrophy of thyroid (acquired)
- E03.5Myxoedema coma
- E03.8Other specified hypothyroidism
- E03.9Hypothyroidism, unspecified