Autoimmune thyroid diseases in children

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AIT) are common in children and may present with a variety of signs and symptoms including: euthyroid goiter, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism. The natural history of AIT may be different in children but in all age groups, there appear to be genetic risk factors and environmental triggers that initiate thyroid autoimmunity.

Areas covered: In this review, we summarize recent studies that investigate the genetics and environmental triggers believed to be involved in thyroid autoimmunity. We also discuss the approach and controversies in the treatment of children with AIT.

Expert commentary: Much has been learned about the major roles for genetics, cytokines, regulatory lymphocytes, and environmental triggers in CLT but controversies remain.

KEYWORDS:

• Thyroid
• children
• autoimmune
• Graves’ disease
• Hashimoto thyroiditis
• goiter

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

No Funding to declare.