The characteristics of Grave’s disease in children and adolescent patients in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the characteristics of Graves’ disease in children and adolescents in Medina, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and compare them to those observed in other countries. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of children and adolescents diagnosed with Graves’ disease between January 2010 and May 2021. Results: Fifty-eight patients aged 12.02 ± 4.85 years were identified, of which 44)75.9%(were females. Exophthalmos)63.8%(, neck swelling)60.3%(, palpitations)46.6%(, and tremors)29.3%(were the most common manifestations. Vitiligo)1.72%(and alopecia)1.72%(were the only autoimmune diseases observed in our patients. The median)IQR(value was 0.01)0.36()ulU/mL(for thyroid-stimulating hormone)TSH(and 24.89)29.50()pmol/L(for FT4. In terms of treatment modalities, 55)94.8%(received antithyroid medication, 6)10.3%(underwent thyroidectomy and one patient)1.72%(was treated with radioactive iodine. Conclusion: In general, Graves’ disease is more common in females. Neck swelling, palpitation, and tremors were the main manifestations. Compared with other countries, there was a higher frequency of exophthalmos and a lower frequency of associated autoimmune conditions. The primary treatment was antithyroid drugs; thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine were used less frequently.