Narrative review of pediatric thyroiditis: Diagnosis and management

Abstract

Objective

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no current literature reviews on pediatric thyroiditis exist. Our aim is to present relevant and updated information on pediatric thyroiditis subtypes and presentations.

Data sources

A narrative review was performed using PubMed and Embase.

Review methods

A narrative literature review was performed to find articles in two databases: PubMed and Embase that discussed the various subtypes of thyroiditis in pediatric patients. Relevant key terms included: thyroiditis, pediatric, children, clinical findings, autoimmune thyroiditis, prevalence, and etiology.

Discussion

112 articles were included in this review. The subtypes and clinical presentations of pediatric thyroiditis were highlighted to demonstrate that thyroid dysfunction can have unique wide-ranging effects compared to adult populations. Recommendations on diagnostic algorithms, management, and clinical consequences of delayed treatment are discussed.

Conclusions

Thyroid hormones are incredibly vital to the development of a child. It is important to identify and prevent long-term consequences clinically by implementing early treatment through awareness of these differences in clinical practice.