Pediatric Endocrine Disorders: Clinical Management

Classified in Medicine & Health

Written on May 20, 2026 in English with a size of 4.82 KB

Hypothyroidism

Causes	Prenatal exposure to radioiodine Maternal use of anti-thyroid medication
Symptoms	Asymptomatic Prolonged jaundice Wide fontanelle Macroglossia Umbilical hernia Hypotonia Abdominal distension
Diagnosis	Risk of mental retardation/cretinism High TSH Low Free T4 Screening: 2nd-4th day of life
Treatment	Levothyroxine

Hyperthyroidism

Causes	Maternal Graves disease Transplacental IgG passage
Symptoms	Weight loss Sweating Heat intolerance Agitation Goiter
Diagnosis	TSH receptor autoantibodies TSH and Free T4 levels Ultrasound, Scintigraphy
Treatment	Antithyroid medication (e.g., thiamazole) Beta-blockers Diazepam Thyroidectomy

Adrenal Insufficiency

Causes	Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Meningococcal septicemia Adrenal hemorrhage Cessation of glucocorticoid therapy Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD gene mutation, Xq28)
Clinical Features	Cerebral sclerosis Decreased visual acuity/blindness Cognitive decline Ataxia, Nausea/Vomiting Drowsiness, fainting Shock, hypotension, tachycardia, dehydration
Diagnosis	Blood glucose (hypoglycemia) Electrolytes (hyponatremia) Acidosis Cortisol, Adrenal steroids, ACTH
Treatment	IV fluids (0.9% NaCl, then glucose solutions) Correct Na & K Hydrocortisone infusion

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Complications	Inadequate rehydration Hypoglycemia Hypokalemia Hyperchloremic acidosis Cerebral edema
Treatment	Rehydration: 0.9% saline IV Insulin: 0.05-0.1 unit/kg/hour Potassium replacement Bicarbonate only if pH < 6.9

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Tags:

levothyroxine DKA metabolic disorders Graves disease cretinism pediatric health hyperthyroidism adrenal insufficiency diabetes mellitus insulin therapy pediatric endocrinology hydrocortisone hormone therapy hypothyroidism adrenoleukodystrophy