Thyroid Disorders

The Pediatric Thyroid Center cares for infants, children and adolescents with a broad range of thyroid problems that include congenital hypothyroidism, Graves' disease, Hashimoto thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes and thyroid cancer.

As the first center in the United States exclusively devoted to the care of children with thyroid conditions, the Pediatric Thyroid Center at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital has cared for children with thyroid disorders from more than 30 states and 10 countries, since it opened in 2006.

Multidisciplinary Thyroid Treatment

The Pediatric Thyroid Center is unique in our approach to thyroid treatment by involving the expertise of physicians in several different specialties. As a leading center in the U.S. in defining thyroid treatment for children with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer, our special skills in thyroid surgery and medical care of pediatric thyroid conditions allows us to deliver the best possible care for children and adolescents with thyroid disorders. Our team members include pediatric endocrinologists, surgeons, pathologists and radiologists. Reflecting our expertise, Pediatric Thyroid Center staff are national task force members in developing thyroid treatment guidelines for many different thyroid problems.

Thyroid Surgery Expertise

Because of its unique surgical expertise and multidisciplinary approach in caring for children needing thyroid surgery, the Pediatric Thyroid Center is one of the busiest pediatric thyroid surgery programs in the United States. More than two-thirds of the children who need thyroid surgery come from out-of-state. In addition to providing clinical care locally, the Pediatric Thyroid Center serves as a resource for physicians around the globe needing advice about complex thyroid conditions.

Thyroid disorders in Children:

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a thyroid disorder caused by an overactive thyroid gland, has major effects on behavior, school performance, and the heart. Thyroid disorders that result in hyperthyroidism include Graves' disease, multinodular goiters and thyroid nodules. These thyroid conditions can result in a stimulation of the body's metabolism and symptoms such as nervousness, anxiety and a high heart rate.

Hypothyroidism

Thyroid disorders that result in hypothyroidism include Hashimoto's thyroiditis and congenital hypothyroidism - which result in decreased production of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism can result in a slowing of the child's metabolism and growth.

Thyroid Nodules and Cancer

Thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer are growths with the thyroid gland. These thyroid conditions present with enlargement of the thyroid gland. With proper thyroid treatment, children with thyroid cancer have wonderful long-term outcomes.

Thyroid Disorder Research

Finding better way to treat children with thyroid disorders is a major goal of the Pediatric Thyroid Center. Special research interests have focused on:

• Optimizing treatment of childhood Graves' disease
• The development of new diagnostic approaches for thyroid disease and thyroid cancer
• The identification of genes that cause thyroid cancer
• Examination of the toxicity of thyroid medications.
• Determine risks of thyroid diseases and treatments to the mother and fetus

Clinics and Referrals

The Pediatric Thyroid Center maintains regular clinics in New Haven and Brookfield. We welcome patients from Connecticut and other states. We also care for children from overseas, and we can assist with accommodations for out-of-area patients.

Contact

For more information about the Pediatric Thyroid Center at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, please call 203-737-5971.