Pediatric thyroid disorders

ABSTRACT

Thyroid hormones play an important role in normal growth and development throughout infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Abnormalities of thyroid function during the fetal period and infancy result in impaired development of the brain and skeleton. In childhood and adolescence, thyroid disorders can negatively affect normal growth and pubertal development. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders are essential for obtaining excellent outcomes. Because most pediatric patients with thyroid disorders need long-term therapy, and can experience adverse effects or have an unfavorable prognosis, physicians should provide professional treatment and monitoring.