Samar N Rahhal1, Erica A Eugster. 1. Section of Pediatric Endocrinology/Diabetology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA. sxrahhal@stvincent.org
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of Graves' disease (GD) is typically confirmed with a thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) titer. While TSI is reported to be positive in >90% of patients with GD, our anecdotal experience suggests that TSI negative GD may be more common in children. AIM: To investigate the incidence of TSI negative GD in our population and to compare patients with TSI negative vs TSI positive GD. METHODS: Charts of children with GD seen in our pediatric endocrinology clinic over the past 5 years were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients with GD were included. TSI was negative in 43% of patients. No significant differences were found in children with TSI negative vs TSI positive GD. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with GD, the finding of a negative TSI titer usually creates diagnostic uncertainty. However, the fact that nearly half of our patients with GD were TSI negative suggests that this is common in children.
BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of Graves' disease (GD) is typically confirmed with a thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) titer. While TSI is reported to be positive in >90% of patients with GD, our anecdotal experience suggests that TSI negative GD may be more common in children. AIM: To investigate the incidence of TSI negative GD in our population and to compare patients with TSI negative vs TSI positive GD. METHODS: Charts of children with GD seen in our pediatric endocrinology clinic over the past 5 years were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients with GD were included. TSI was negative in 43% of patients. No significant differences were found in children with TSI negative vs TSI positive GD. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with GD, the finding of a negative TSI titer usually creates diagnostic uncertainty. However, the fact that nearly half of our patients with GD were TSI negative suggests that this is common in children.