Antithyroid drug therapy of Graves'' hyperthyroidism: realistic goals and focus on evidence. Issue 1 (January 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Laurberg, Peter; Andersen, Stig; Karmisholt, Jesper
• Is Part Of: Expert review of endocrinology & metabolism. Volume 1:Issue 1(2006)
• Page Start: 91
• Page End: 102
• Publication Date: 2006-01
• Subjects: carbimazole -- Graves'' disease -- methimazole -- propylthiouracil -- radioiodine therapy -- thyroid surgery; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Periodicals; 616.4
• DOI: 10.1586/17446651.1.1.91
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-6651

Abstract

Only a minority of patients with hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease will experience cure of disease with a permanent euthyroid state without medication. Antithyroid drugs are useful in attaining euthyroidism, and most patients will gradually enter remission of the autoimmune abnormality after becoming euthyroid. A stable euthyroid state may be sustained by prolonged low-dose medication. The risk of relapse of hyperthyroidism after withdrawal of medication seems to be independent of duration of therapy, once remission has been induced. A number of risk factors influence the outcome of therapy and they should be evaluated when planning duration of therapy with antithyroid drugs.