B. Zupančič
Klinični oddelek za endokrinologijo, diabetes in presnovne bolezni, Pediatrična klinika, UKC Ljubljana, Ljubljana

N. Bratina
Klinični oddelek za endokrinologijo, diabetes in presnovne bolezni, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

The thyroid gland is an endocrine organ that controls the energy use, growth and development of the body. Hyperthyroidism is most commonly caused by an autoimmune disorder, which produces thyroid antibodies that stimulate the thyroid to overproduce thyroid hormones. Numerous other causes are rarer. Symptoms and signs of the illness are due to increased metabolism and increased adrenergic tone. The diagnosis is made on the basis of typical clinical and laboratory ndings. After the initial treatment with thyrostatic drugs and the subsequent addition of thyroid replacement therapy, only about one third of patients reach a stable remission. The remainder usually need denitive treatment, with surgical removal of the thyroid gland or radiotherapy, which both result in lifelong hypothyroidism. Thyroid storm is a very rare complication, which is an emergency with a relatively high mortality. Patients with hyperthyroidism are treated in tertiary centres in accordance with valid European guidelines.

Key words: hyperthyroidism, child and adolescent, therapy, thyroid storm.