All issues > Volume 47(9); 2004

Clinical Lecture

Korean J Pediatr. 2004;47(9):926-932. Published online September 15, 2004.

Acquired Thyroid Disorders in Childhood

Ho-Seong HS Kim¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence Ho-Seong HS Kim ,Email: kimho@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr

Abstract

Thyroid hormones influence growth and development, oxygen consumption, heat production, nerve function, and metabolism, thus play a critical role as a regulator of nervous system myelination, of growth and of puberty. Disorders affecting thyroid function may cause irreversible and permanent nervous system damage and developmental delay, especially in early infancy. Appropriate medical care of children with thyroid disorders requires refined knowledge of the thyroid system and an appreciation of distinct characteristics of thyroid disorders in childhood. Therefore, this article will focus on important aspects of acquired thyroid disorders with hypothyroidism, with hyperthyroidism or with normal thyroid function in childhood and adolescence.

Keywords :Acquired, Thyroid disorders, Childhood