Abstract
Abstract
Background
Research in paediatric Graves’ disease (GD) has predominantly focused on endocrine treatment outcomes. There is limited knowledge about associations with other diseases and long-term psychosocial outcomes.
Objective
We aimed to compare disease burden and psychosocial outcomes between patients with GD in childhood/young adulthood and an unexposed population cohort.
Methods
This cohort study used prospectively collected data from medical records and multiple Swedish registers. Patients diagnosed with GD aged
Results
Over the 17-year follow-up (median: 15.5 years), patients with GD had significantly higher recorded rates of ‘endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases’ (hazard ratio (HR): 11.7; 6.9–19.7; P 60 consecutive days of sick leave (RR: 2.1; 1.1–4.1; P = 0.027), and receiving disability pension (RR: 4.3; 2.2–8.3; P
Conclusion
Childhood/early adulthood GD leads to increased healthcare needs and socio-economic challenges, marked by more hospitalizations, sick leaves, disability pensions, and lower educational levels. These results highlight the often chronic nature of GD, emphasizing the need for more research to reduce long-term effects.