children s health issues
Hyperthyroidism in Newborns and Children
Diagnosis
Thyroid function tests Sometimes imaging tests doctors suspect hyperthyroidism if the mother has active Graves disease or a history of Graves disease and high levels of thyroid-stimulating antibodies. The results of the routine screening blood test done in the hospital after birth to evaluate thyroid function, which is done mainly to look for hypothyroidism, may reveal hyperthyroidism in the newborn. To confirm the diagnosis, doctors do tests to determine levels of thyroid hormones in the blood ( Thyroid function tests ). After hyperthyroidism of the newborn is diagnosed, doctors may do imaging tests to evaluate the size and location of the thyroid gland. doctors do Thyroid function tests . Doctors also do Ultrasonography on older children who have Graves disease if the thyroid gland feels asymmetric or they feel a growth (nodule) on the thyroid gland. 