Treatment of hyperthyroidism in children.

Thirty-three children with hyperthyroidism, an uncommon condition in childhood, were treated at the Hôpital Ste-Justine in Montreal during the period 1961 to 1974. Of these, 31 underwent medical treatment initially. Fifteen were cured by medical treatment only; the other 18 had to undergo subtotal thyroidectomy. When these two groups were compared the advantage of surgery in the treatment of this disease was clear. There were no major complications postoperatively. Two children became hypothyroid. The mean follow-up was 5 years and 6 months.