What are thyroid disorders?

 The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, just below the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple). Hormones produced by the thyroid affect all aspects of a child’s health including heart rate, energy metabolism (how effectively the body uses calories), growth and development.

 Common thyroid disorders are:

• Hypothyroidism (for examples autoimmune thyroiditis, congenital hypothyroidism)
• Hyperthyroidism (for example Grave's disease)

The majority of children with thyroid disorders will achieve normal growth and development, if managed well. This usually requires frequent checks and blood tests while the child is still growing.  

For health professionals

Congenital hypothyroidism

APEG guidelines for management of congenital hypothyroidism

Post-thyroidectomy guideline to prevent hypocalcaemia

All patients requiring thyroidectomy should be discussed with the endocrinology inpatient team prior to surgery.

Please see the following guidelines for management of children and adolescents after total thyroidectomy to prevent hypocalcaemia:

SUMMARY DOCUMENT

FULL DOCUMENT

For patient and families

General information regarding thyroiditis

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Thyroiditis/

Hormone and me booklets: 

Congenital hypothyroidism

Thyroid disorders of childhood