Advances in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of hyperthyroidism in children

J Pediatr Nurs. 2005 Apr;20(2):119-26. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2004.12.013.

Abstract

The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating multiple complex metabolic processes that affect most organs. Physical growth and cognitive development are dependent on proper levels of thyroid hormone. This article will review common challenges in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in children, the approaches to treatment, and the nursing interventions guided toward child and family responses to thyroid disease. A comparison of signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is also included. The nursing interventions addressed in the article integrate the biological, psychological, social, and environmental stresses and adaptations necessary to cope with hyperthyroid disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aftercare
  • Antithyroid Agents / therapeutic use
  • Causality
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / diagnosis*
  • Hyperthyroidism / etiology
  • Hyperthyroidism / therapy*
  • Hypothyroidism / diagnosis
  • Hypothyroidism / therapy
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Iodine Radioisotopes / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Nurse's Role
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Pediatric Nursing / methods*
  • Prognosis
  • Thyroid Function Tests
  • Thyroid Gland / embryology
  • Thyroid Gland / physiology
  • Thyroid Hormones / physiology
  • Thyroidectomy
  • Thyroxine-Binding Proteins / physiology

Substances

  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Thyroxine-Binding Proteins