Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

Autoimmune thyroid disease is the most common cause of acquired thyroid dysfunction in pediatrics. It affects approximately 2% of the female and 0.2% of the male populations, with its overall prevalence peaking in early adulthood. Normal thyroid hormone levels are critical to neurodevelopment and growth, and by maintaining an appropriate index of suspicion, the clinician can often recognize thyroid dysfunction in its early stages. This chapter summarizes autoimmune thyroid disease, discussing chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and Graves’ disease and, emphasizing their clinical management.