Prospective assessment of thyroid function and treatment outcomes in individuals with Graves' disease, suggesting the need for ongoing monitoring.
Key Points
This study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes of individuals diagnosed with Graves' disease over a 10-year period, focusing on thyroid function and treatment responses.
Evaluated outcomes for 100 consecutive individuals diagnosed with Graves' disease for up to 10 years post-diagnosis.
Collected thyroid function data (TSH, FT4, FT3) at various follow-up points, along with biographic data and treatment types.
Utilized statistical analyses including logistic regression to assess associations between baseline variables and relapses.
Median baseline FT4 significantly decreased from 29.3 pmol/L to 16.2 pmol/L at 10 years.
66% of patients had TSH levels within the reference range at last follow-up, while 25% exhibited low levels and 9% had elevated levels.
28% of subjects remained on pharmacotherapy at last follow-up, with a notable correlation between high baseline TSH receptor antibody levels and an increased relapse rate.