1. 1. Four cases of exophthalmic goiter in children under five years of age are reported. All patients recovered, three after thyroidectomy and one after conservative therapy. 2. 2. Hyperthyroidism in children is no different from exophthalmic goiter in the adult and thyroidectomy is the treatment of choice. 3. 3. If it is decided to treat a mild or early case of hyperthyroidism conservatively, it is important to have accurate measurements of the extent of exophthalmos and to advise prompt thyroidectomy if the exophthalmos progresses. 4. 4. Thyroidectomy presents no greater hazard in a child than in an adult. No fatalities have occurred in the last forty thyroidectomies which have been performed for hyperthyroidism in children under fourteen years of age. 5. 5. Since children are excellent operative risks, one-stage thyroidectomy can usually be performed without danger.
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