Characteristics of Pediatric Patients with Hyperthyroidism at Prof. dr. Chairuddin P. Lubis USU Hospital Medan 2021–2024

Abstract

Background. Hyperthyroidism in children is a rare endocrine disorder but carries a risk of serious complications if not detected and managed early. Clinical characteristics, history of autoimmune disease, genetic history, and prior medication use can influence the diagnosis and management of pediatric hyperthyroidism. Objective. Identifying the characteristics found in pediatric patients with hyperthyroidism. Methods. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study using medical record data of pediatric patients with hyperthyroidism at Prof. dr. Chairuddin P. Lubis Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, 20155, INDONESIA from 2021 to 2024. Results. Among 30 pediatric patients, the majority were adolescents (10–<18 years, 93,3%), female (86,7%), and resided within Medan City (53,3%). Clinical hyperthyroidism was the most common type (83,3%). The main complaints included palpitations (90,0%), tremor (60,0%), and excessive sweating (53,3%). The most frequent physical findings were thyroid enlargement (90,0%), tachypnea (60,0%), and tachycardia (56,7 %). The majority of patients had an autoimmune history (66,7%), 3,3% had a genetic history, and none had a history of medication use that could increase thyroid hormone levels. Conclusion. The characteristics of pediatric patients with hyperthyroidism showed a predominance of adolescent females with clinical hyperthyroidism, palpitations, and thyroid enlargement. A history of autoimmune disease is fairly significant, whereas a genetic history is rarely observed.