Use of radioiodine in adolescent Graves' disease

Childhood hyperthyroidism is most commonly due to Graves' disease and often proves a therapeutic challenge. The high risk of relapse following medical management frequently necessitates definitive treatment. Radioactive iodine has been used for 60 years to treat hyperthyroidism. It is efficacious, cheap and safe. However, there is still some reluctance to use it in children. We report on the use and excellent short-term outcome of radioiodine therapy in five children with Graves' disease.