The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism
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J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. · Aug 1996
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialGraves' hyperthyroidism: treatment with antithyroid drugs, surgery, or radioiodine--a prospective, randomized study. Thyroid Study Group.
To analyze the benefits and risks of three common treatments, we randomly assigned 179 patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism as follows: 60 patients, 20-34 yr of age (young adults), received antithyroid drugs for 18 months (medical) or subtotal thyroidectomy (surgical), and 119 patients, 35-55 yr of age (old adults), received medical, surgical, or radioiodine (iodine-131) treatment. The follow-up time was at least 48 months. Antithyroid drugs, surgery, or iodine-131 treatment normalized the mean serum hormone levels within 6 weeks. ⋯ Ninety percent of the subjects in all groups were satisfied with the treatment they received. No significant difference in sick-leave due to Graves' or other diseases was seen during the first 2 yr after initiation of therapy. The increased risk of ophthalmopathy in patients with high serum T3 levels, especially when treated with iodine-131, and the relatively high frequency of relapse after treatment with antithyroid drugs are important factors to consider when selecting therapy for Graves' disease.