ABSTRACT
The efficacy of ~(131)I treatment of hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents was evaluated. Being unsuitable for medical therapy,31 patients (aged 11-18 years) with hyperthyroidism received ~(131)I treatment with a dose of 0.925-3.33 MBq/g of thyroid and were followed-up for 20 to 76 months.Fifteen patients were euthyroid,5 suffered from late-onset hypothyroidism,and 11 were still hyperthyroid,but their symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism were markedly improved.Of the 18 patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO),8 patients recovered,4 were improved,TAO in 1 patients deteriorated and in S patients remained unchanged.~(131)I is a relative safe and effective treatment for children and adolescents above 10 years old with hyperthyroidism,being unsuitable for medical therapy.