The most common thyroiditis in children is:

The most common thyroiditis in children is:

• A. Subacute thyroiditis caused by a viral infection of the gland
• B. Acute suppurative thyroiditis caused by bacterial infection
• C. Caused by exposure to radiation or trauma
• D. Hashimoto's thyroiditis (chronic autoimmune)

Answer: (D)

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common thyroiditis in children. It is an autoimmune process where antibodies (often anti-TPO) gradually damage the thyroid, leading to reduced hormone production and usually hypothyroidism. In kids and teens, it’s the leading cause of acquired hypothyroidism and often presents with a painless goiter and signs of hypothyroidism such as growth concerns, fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin. Lab findings typically show elevated TSH with low free T4 and positive thyroid autoantibodies. This condition tends to have a chronic, insidious course rather than an acute, painful presentation. By contrast, subacute thyroiditis is usually a painful viral-associated thyroiditis seen more often in adults; acute suppurative thyroiditis is rare and due to bacterial infection; thyroiditis from radiation or trauma occurs after neck irradiation or injury and is not the typical pattern in children. Treatment focuses on thyroid hormone replacement if hypothyroid, with ongoing monitoring.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common thyroiditis in children. It is an autoimmune process where antibodies (often anti-TPO) gradually damage the thyroid, leading to reduced hormone production and usually hypothyroidism. In kids and teens, it’s the leading cause of acquired hypothyroidism and often presents with a painless goiter and signs of hypothyroidism such as growth concerns, fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin. Lab findings typically show elevated TSH with low free T4 and positive thyroid autoantibodies. This condition tends to have a chronic, insidious course rather than an acute, painful presentation. By contrast, subacute thyroiditis is usually a painful viral-associated thyroiditis seen more often in adults; acute suppurative thyroiditis is rare and due to bacterial infection; thyroiditis from radiation or trauma occurs after neck irradiation or injury and is not the typical pattern in children. Treatment focuses on thyroid hormone replacement if hypothyroid, with ongoing monitoring.