ABLATIVE OR NON-ABLATIVE THERAPY FOR GRAVES HYPERTHYROIDISM IN PATIENTS WITH OPHTHALMOPATHY

In our view there are no properly controlled trials which support a be neficial effect on ophthalmopathy from surgical or radioiodine-based d eliberate ablation for hyperthyroidism. The theoretical basis for this approach can be questioned and we still know too little about the pat hogenesis of ophthalmopathy to draw any firm conclusions about the lik ely effects of ablation. There are established risks with ablation. Li ke the majority of European thyroidologists, we prefer antithyroid dru gs for the initial treatment of hyperthyroidism complicated by Graves' ophthalmopathy and individualise treatment for recurrent hyperthyroid ism based on the patient's preference, but do not recommend ablation r outinely in presence of eye signs. (J. Endocrinol. Invest. 21: 472-475 , 1998) (C) 1998, Editrice Kurtis.