Intrathyroid injection of dexamethasone inhibits Th2 cells in Graves disease

ABSTRACT Objective Intrathyroid injection of dexamethasone (IID) was used for decrease the relapse rate of hyperthyroidism in the treatment of Graves' disease (GD), but the mechanism is still unclear. We aimed to explore the effect of IID on T help (Th)1/Th2 cells and their chemokine in patients with GD. Subjects and methods A total of 42 patients with GD who were euthyroidism by methimazole were randomly divided into IID group (n = 20) and control group (n = 22). Thyroid function and associated antibody, Th1/Th2 cells proportion, serum CXCL10 and CCL2 levels, and CXCR3/CCR2 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells before and after 3-month IID treatment were tested by chemiluminescence assay, Flow cytometry, ELISA, and real-time PCR, respectively. Thyroid follicular cells were stimulated by IFN-γ and TNF-α and treated with dexamethasone in vitro. CXCL10 and CCL2 levels in supernatant were determined. Results After 3-month therapy, the proportion of Th2 cells and serum CCL2 levels, as well as TPOAb, TRAb levels and thyroid volume decreased in IID group (p < 0.05). However, the proportion of Th1 and CXCL10 levels had no change in IID group and control (p > 0.05). The CXCR3/CCR2 ratio had no change in both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion IID therapy could inhibit peripheral Th2 cells via decreasing CCL2 level in peripheral blood, and this result partly explain the effects of IID therapy on prevention of relapse of GD. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(3):243-50

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in patients treated with methimazole: a prospective Brazilian study / Anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos em pacientes tratados com metimazol: um estudo prospectivo brasileiro

Abstract Introduction: The side effects of antithyroid drugs are well known. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis is a severe adverse reaction. Most studies evaluating antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies related to antithyroid drugs have been carried out with patients treated with propylthiouracil, but less information is available for methimazole. Furthermore, most studies that investigated antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies related to antithyroid drugs were conducted on Asian populations. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-positive vasculitis in an adult population of Brazilian patients treated with methimazole. Methods: This was a prospective study. We evaluated patients ≥18 years with Graves' disease who have been using methimazole for at least 6 months (Group A, n = 36); with Grave's disease who had been previously treated with methimazole but no longer used this medication for at least 6 months (Group B, n = 33), and with nodular disease who have been using methimazole for at least 6 months (Group C, n = 13). Results: ANCA were detected in 17 patients (20.7%). Four patients (4.9%) had a strong antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-positive test. The frequency of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies was similar in the groups. When Groups A and B were pooled and compared to Group C to evaluate the influence of Grave's disease, and when Groups A and C were pooled and compared to Group B to evaluate the influence of methimazole discontinuation, no difference was found in the frequency of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. No difference was observed in sex, age, etiology of hyperthyroidism, anti-TSH receptor antibodies, dose or time of methimazole use between patients with versus without antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. The titers of these antibodies were not correlated with the dose or time of methimazole use. None of the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-positive patient had clinical event that could potentially result from vasculitis. Conclusion: This clinical study of a Brazilian population shows a considerable frequency of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in patients treated with methimazole but the clinical repercussion of these findings remains undefined.

Resumo Introdução: Os efeitos adversos de drogas antitireoidianas são conhecidos. Vasculite associada a anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos é uma reação adversa grave. A maioria dos estudos que avaliam anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos relacionado a drogas antitireoidianas envolveu pacientes tratados com propiltiouracil, entretanto menos informação se encontra disponível para o metimazol. Além disso, a maioria dos estudos que investigaram anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos relacionado a drogas antitireoidianas foi conduzida em populações asiáticas. Objetivo: Avaliar a frequência de anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos e vasculite anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos-positivo em uma população adulta de pacientes brasileiros tratados com metimazol. Método: Este foi um estudo prospectivo. Avaliamos pacientes ≥ 18 anos com doença de Graves com o uso de metimazol há pelo menos seis meses (Grupo A, n = 36); com doença de Graves previamente tratados com metimazol, mas que não usaram esse medicamento por pelo menos seis meses (Grupo B, n = 33) e com doença nodular em uso de metimazol há pelo menos seis meses (Grupo C, n = 13). Resultado: Anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos foram detectados em 17 pacientes (20,7%). Quatro pacientes (4,9%) tinham anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos fortemente positivos. A frequência de anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos foi semelhante nos grupos. Quando os Grupos A e B foram somados e comparados ao Grupo C para avaliar a influência da doença de Graves, e quando os Grupos A e C foram somados e comparados ao Grupo B para avaliar a influência da interrupção do metimazol, não foi encontrada diferença na frequência de anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos. Não houve diferença em relação a sexo, idade, etiologia do hipertireoidismo, anticorpos antirreceptor de TSH, dose ou tempo de uso de metimazol entre pacientes com e sem anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos. Os títulos desses anticorpos não se correlacionaram com dose ou tempo de uso de metimazol. Nenhum paciente anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos-positivo apresentou evento clínico resultante de vasculite. Conclusão: Este estudo clínico de uma população brasileira apresenta frequência considerável de anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos em pacientes tratados com metimazol, mas a repercussão clínica desse achado permanece indefinida.

Propylthiouracil-induced agranulocytosis as a rare complication of antithyroid drugs in a patient with Graves' disease

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by hyperthyroidism. Antithyroid drugs (ATDs) are available as therapy. Agranulocytosis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of this therapy. In this study, we report agranulocytosis induced by propylthiouracil (PTU) in a patient with GD and the difficulties of clinical management. CASE: RNBA, male, 30 years old, with GD, treated with propylthiouracil (PTU). He progressed with pharyngotonsillitis. Then, PTU was suspended and antibiotic, filgrastim, propranolol, and prednisone were initiated. Due to the decompensation of hyperthyroidism, lithium carbonate, dexamethasone, and Lugol's solution were introduced. Total thyroidectomy (TT) was performed with satisfactory postoperative progression. DISCUSSION: We describe here the case of a young male patient with GD. For the treatment of hyperthyroidism, thioamides are effective options. Agranulocytosis induced by ATDs is a rare complication defined as the occurrence of a granulocyte count <500/mm3 after the use of ATDs. PTU was suspended, and filgrastim and antibiotics were prescribed. Radioiodine (RAI) or surgery are therapeutic alternatives. Due to problems with ATD use, a total thyroidectomy was proposed. The preoperative preparation was performed with beta-blocker, glucocorticoid, lithium carbonate, and Lugol solution. Cholestyramine is also an option for controlling hyperthyroidism. TT was performed without postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Thionamide-induced agranulocytosis is a rare complication. With a contraindication to ATDs, RAI and surgery are definitive therapeutic options in GD. Beta-blockers, glucocorticoids, lithium carbonate, iodine, and cholestyramine may be an adjunctive therapy for hyperthyroidism.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A doença de Graves (DG) é uma doença autoimune caracterizada por hipertireoidismo. As drogas antitireoidianas (DAT) são opções terapêuticas disponíveis. A agranulocitose é uma complicação rara, potencialmente fatal desta terapia. Neste estudo, relatamos um caso de agranulocitose induzida por propiltiouracil (PTU) em paciente com DG e as dificuldades do manejo clínico. RELATO DE CASO: RNBA, sexo masculino, 30 anos, com DG, tratado com PTU. Evoluiu com faringoamigdalite, sendo o PTU suspenso e antibióticos, filgrastim, propranolol e prednisona, iniciados. Devido à descompensação do hipertireoidismo, iniciou carbonato de lítio (CL), dexametasona e a solução de Lugol. A tireoidectomia total (TT) foi realizada com boa evolução pós-operatória. DISCUSSÃO: Descrevemos caso de paciente jovem, sexo masculino, com DG. Para o tratamento do hipertireoidismo, as tionamidas são opções efetivas. A agranulocitose induzida por DATs é uma complicação rara, definida como a ocorrência de contagem de granulócitos <500/mm3 após uso de dats. PTU foi suspenso e foram prescritos filgrastim e antibiótico. O radioiodo (RAI) ou a cirurgia são alternativas terapêuticas. Devido a problemas com o uso de DAT, a TT foi proposta. A preparação pré-operatória foi realizada com betabloqueador, glicocorticoide, CL e solução de Lugol. A colestiramina também é uma opção para controlar o hipertireoidismo. A TT foi realizada sem complicações pós-operatórias. CONCLUSÃO: A agranulocitose induzida por drogas antitireoidianas é uma complicação rara. Com a contraindicação às DATs, RAI e cirurgia são opções terapêuticas definitivas para DG. Os betabloqueadores, glicocorticoides, CL, iodo e a colestiramina podem ser uma terapia adjuvante para o hipertireoidismo.

TSH-receptor antibodies may prevent bone loss in pre- and postmenopausal women with Graves' disease and Graves' orbitopathy

ABSTRACT Objective Thyrotoxicosis is established risk factor for osteoporosis due to increased bone turnover. Glucocorticoids often administered for Graves' orbitopathy (GO) have additional negative effect on bone mineral density (BMD). Our aim was to examine the influence of thyroid hormones, TSH, TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAb) and glucocorticoid treatment on bone in women with Graves' thyrotoxicosis and Graves' orbitopathy (GO). Subjects and methods Forty seven women with Graves' disease, mean age 55.6 ± 12.8 (23 women with thyrotoxicosis and 24 hyperthyroid with concomitant GO and glucocorticoid therapy) and 40 age-matched healthy female controls were enrolled in the study. We analyzed clinical features, TSH, FT4, FT3, TRAb, TPO antibodies. BMD of lumbar spine and hip was measured by DEXA and 10-year fracture risk was calculated with FRAX tool. Results The study showed significantly lower spine and femoral BMD (g/cm2) in patients with and without GO compared to controls, as well as significantly higher fracture risk. Comparison between hyperthyroid patients without and with orbitopathy found out significantly lower spine BMD in the first group (p = 0.0049). Negative correlations between FT3 and femoral neck BMD (p = 0.0001), between FT4 and BMD (p = 0.049) and positive between TSH and BMD (p = 0.0001), TRAb and BMD (p = 0.026) were observed. Fracture risk for major fractures and TRAb were negatively associated (p = 0.05). We found negative correlation of BMD to duration of thyrotoxicosis and cumulative steroid dose. Conclusions Our results confirm the negative effect of hyperthyroid status on BMD. TRAb, often in high titers in patients with GO, may have protective role for the bone, but further research is needed.

Low iodine diet does not improve the efficacy of radioiodine for the treatment of Graves’ disease

Objective Consuming a low-iodine diet (LID) is a widely accepted practice before administering radioiodine (131I) to evaluate and to treat thyroid disease. Although this procedure is well established for the management of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, its use in patients with benign disease is unclear. So, we aimed to evaluate the influence of a LID on the outcome in patients with Graves’ disease (GD) treated with131I. Subjects and methods We evaluated 67 patients with GD who were divided into 2 groups: one group (n = 31) consumed a LID for 1-2 weeks, and the second group (n = 36) was instructed to maintain a regular diet (RD). Results The LID group experienced a 23% decrease in urinary iodine after 1 week on the diet and a significant 42% decrease after 2 weeks on the diet. The majority (53%) of the patients in the LID group had urinary iodine levels that were consistent with deficient iodine intake. However, there was no difference in the rate of hyperthyroidism’s cure between the LID and the RD groups 6 months after 131I therapy. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy did not differ in patients with varying degrees of sufficient iodine intake (corresponding urinary iodine levels: < 10 μg/dL is deficient; 10-29.9 μg/dL is sufficient; and > 30 μg/dL is excessive). Conclusion In the present study, we demonstrated that although a LID decreased urinary iodine levels, those levels corresponding with sufficient or a mild excess in iodine intake did not compromise the therapeutic efficacy of131I for the treatment of GD.

Pre-tibial myxedema: treatment with intralesional corticosteroid

The pretibial myxedema is a manifestation of Graves' disease characterized by accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in the reticular dermis. The dermopathy is self-limiting but in some cases may cause cosmetic and functional damage. Conventional treatment is use of topical steroids under occlusive dressing, however the intralesional application has shown good results. We present a case of pretibial myxedema treated with single injection of intralesional corticosteroid.

Where does her mood come from? An organic approach to a once functional patient / De onde vem seu humor? Uma abordagem orgânica para um paciente previamente funcional

Objective: To report the rare development of manic symptoms in a patient with schizophrenia and discuss its differential diagnosis. Case description: Diagnostic criteria were based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10). A 63-year-old female (diagnosed with schizophrenia since she was 28) was brought to the emergency room with symptoms consistent with manic episode and physical examination suggestive of thyrotoxicosis. Graves' disease was confirmed by subsequent laboratory tests. She was treated successfully with radioiodine ablation, leading to full remission of manic symptoms. Comments: Schizophrenia is a chronic disease that affects about 1% of the population worldwide. The main symptoms of the disorder are altered affection, delusions, and hallucinations. Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition in which antibodies increase the production and release of thyroid hormones. There are reports about the development of mood symptoms in patients with Graves' disease that remit with adequate treatment. .

Objetivo: Relatar um caso raro de desenvolvimento de sintomas maníacos em uma paciente com esquizofrenia e discutir o diagnóstico diferencial desses sintomas. Descrição do caso: Foram utilizados como base os critérios diagnósticos da Classificação Internacional de Doenças, 10ª edição (CID-10). Paciente de 63 anos do sexo feminino e com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia desde os 28 anos foi levada a emergência com sintomas compatíveis com episódio de mania e exame físico sugestivo de tireotoxicose. Doença de Graves foi confirmada por exames subsequentes. A paciente foi tratada com sucesso com ablação por iodo radioativo, levando à remissão dos sintomas maníacos. Comentários: A esquizofrenia é uma doença crônica que afeta cerca de 1% da população mundial. Os principais sintomas do transtorno são o embotamento afetivo, alucinações e delírios. A doença de Graves é uma doença autoimune em que o estímulo humoral aumenta a produção e liberação de hormônios pela tireoide. Há relatos na literatura sobre o desenvolvimento de sintomas maníacos em pacientes com doença de Graves, os quais remitem mediante tratamento adequado. .

Marrow hypoplasia: a rare complication of untreated Grave’s disease / Hipoplasia de medula óssea: uma rara complicação da doença de Graves não tratada

Atypical presentation forms of hyperthyroidism are always a challenge to the clinician. We present a female patient with the typical symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, without any thionamides treatment before, associated with pancytopenia, which recovered after euthyroidism state was achieved. Although the major cases of pancytopenia in Grave’s disease are seen as a complication of antithyroid drugs (thioamides), in this case report the alteration in blood tests was associated with untreated hyperthyroidism. In the literature review, we found 19 case reports between 1981 to 2012, but it has been related to a hypercellular bone marrow with periferic destruction. Our case, however, is about a hypocellular bone marrow without fibrosis or fat tissue replacement, which proceeded with a periferic improvement following thyroid treatment. Although rare, pancytopenia, when present, may develop as an unusual and severe manifestation in untreated subjects.

Formas atípicas de apresentação do hipertireoidismo são sempre um desafio para o clínico. Apresentamos uma paciente do sexo feminino, com sintomas típicos de tireotoxicose associado a um quadro de pancitopenia sem nenhum tratamento prévio com tionamidas. A melhora da alteração hematológica ocorreu após recuperação do eutireoidismo. Embora a maioria dos casos de pancitopenia na doença de Graves seja uma complicação das drogas antitireoidianas (tionamidas), neste caso a alteração hematológica foi associada ao quadro de hipertireoidismo não tratado. Após uma revisão na literatura, encontramos 19 relatos de caso descritos no período de 1981 a 2012, nos quais o quadro de pancitopenia estava relacionado à hipercelularidade medular com destruição periférica das células sanguíneas. Nosso caso, entretanto, trata-se de uma pancitopenia com medula óssea hipocelular, sem infiltração por tecido adiposo ou fibrose, que evoluiu com melhora dos elementos do sangue periférico após tratamento do hipertireoidismo. Embora rara, a pancitopenia, quando presente, pode se manifestar como uma severa manifestação se não tratada a condição desencadeadora.

Acute Pancreatitis Induced by Methimazole Treatment in a 51-Year-Old Korean Man: A Case Report

Methimazole (MMI)-induced acute pancreatitis is very rare but severe adverse reaction. A 51-yr-old male developed a high fever, chills, and abdominal pain, two weeks after commencement on MMI for the treatment of Graves' disease. There was no evidence of agranulocytosis, and fever subsided soon after stopping MMI treatment. However, 5 hr after taking an additional dose of MMI, abdominal pain and fever developed again. His symptoms, biochemical, and imaging studies were compatible with acute pancreatitis. After withdrawal of MMI, he showed clinical improvement. This is the first case of MMI-induced acute pancreatitis in Korea. Clinicians should be aware of the rare but possible MMI-induced pancreatitis in patients complaining of fever and abdominal pain.

Acute Pancreatitis Induced by Methimazole Treatment in a 51-Year-Old Korean Man: A Case Report

Methimazole (MMI)-induced acute pancreatitis is very rare but severe adverse reaction. A 51-yr-old male developed a high fever, chills, and abdominal pain, two weeks after commencement on MMI for the treatment of Graves' disease. There was no evidence of agranulocytosis, and fever subsided soon after stopping MMI treatment. However, 5 hr after taking an additional dose of MMI, abdominal pain and fever developed again. His symptoms, biochemical, and imaging studies were compatible with acute pancreatitis. After withdrawal of MMI, he showed clinical improvement. This is the first case of MMI-induced acute pancreatitis in Korea. Clinicians should be aware of the rare but possible MMI-induced pancreatitis in patients complaining of fever and abdominal pain.

Factors affecting drug-induced liver injury: antithyroid drugs as instances

Methimazole and propylthiouracil have been used in the management of hyperthyroidism for more than half a century. However, hepatotoxicity is one of the most deleterious side effects associated with these medications. The mechanism(s) of hepatic injury induced by antithyroid agents is not fully recognized yet. Furthermore, there are no specific tools for predicting the occurrence of hepatotoxicity induced by these drugs. The purpose of this article is to give an overview on possible susceptibility factors in liver injury induced by antithyroid agents. Age, gender, metabolism characteristics, alcohol consumption, underlying diseases, immunologic mechanisms, and drug interactions are involved in enhancing antithyroid drugs-induced hepatic damage. An outline on the clinically used treatments for antithyroid drugs-induced hepatotoxicity and the potential therapeutic strategies found to be effective against this complication are also discussed.

Plasmaférese pré-tireoidectomia em paciente com tireotoxicose e hepatotoxicidade por propiltiouracil: relato de caso / Plasmapheresis before thyroidectomy in a patient with thyrotoxicosis and hepatotoxicity by propylthiouracil: case report

A tireotoxicose é uma rara síndrome clínica decorrente da exacerbação do hipertireoidismo, de etiologia e fatores desencadeantes diversos. A abordagem terapêutica pode ser realizada por meio de medicamentos para bloqueio da síntese, secreção e/ou inibição da ação periférica hormonal, além de terapia dirigida aos fatores desencadeantes. Entretanto, em casos refratários, a plasmaférese surge como importante opção de tratamento. Relatamos o caso de um paciente com doença de Graves, internado com quadro de hepatotoxicidade grave por propiltiouracil, que evoluiu com tireotoxicose, sendo indicada plasmaférese para rápida redução dos hormônios tireoidianos, em preparo para a tireoidectomia total.

Thyrotoxicosis is a rare clinical syndrome resulting from an exacerbation of hyperthyroidism, with various etiology and triggering factors. Its approach may be accomplished by blocking the synthesis of hormones, their secretion and/or inhibition of their peripheral action, besides treating the triggering factors. However, in refractory cases, plasmapheresis appears as an important option for treatment. We report a patient with Graves' disease who was admitted with thyrotoxicosis and signs of severe hepatotoxicity induced by propylthiouracil. Plasmapheresis was indicated, with the aim of rapidly reducing thyroid hormones in the preparation for total thyroidectomy.

Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis in the presence of methimazole therapy / Vasculite leucocitoclástica cutânea na vigência de terapêutica com metimazol

Treatment with antithyroid drugs may be accompanied by side effects. We present a patient diagnosed with Grave's Disease who developed extensive vasculitis in the lower limbs during methimazole use. After suspension of the methimazole and the introduction of prednisone in immunesupressor doses the cutaneous lesions started to involute.

A terapêutica com drogas antitireoidianas pode ser acompanhada de efeitos colaterais. Apresentamos um caso de paciente com diagnóstico de Doença de Graves que na vigência da terapêutica com metimazol desenvolveu um quadro extenso de vasculite de membros inferiores. A partir da suspensão do metimazol e da introdução de prednisona em doses imunossupressoras as lesões cutâneas entraram em involução.

Bone mineral density in patients of Graves disease pre- & post-treatment in a predominantly vitamin D deficient population.

Background & objectives: Hyperthyroidism causes bone loss, and its treatment may restore bone mass, however, concomitant vitamin D deficiency may prevent this. We undertook this study to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) 25 (OH) vitamin D levels in patients with Graves disease in our population which is predominently vitamin D deficient and how we change with when patients become euthyroid. Methods: The biochemical, thyroid functions, serum vitamin D levels and BMD were estimated in 80 consecutive patients with Graves and 80 euthyroid controls. Patients were treated and rendered euthyroid. Fifty four completed one year, and 27 completed two years of follow up. Results: Patients had significant reduced BMD during hyperthyroid state compared to normal healthy controls. The mean vitamin D levels at baseline were in the insufficient range both patients (12.67±6.24 ng/ml) and controls (10.99±7.05 ng/ml). The BMD improved at all sites with antithyroid treatment. But, the BMD adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and age at all sites showed significant decrease with time. Interpretation & conclusions: Age and body mass index positively correlated with BMD. There was improvement in absolute BMD of patients at one and two years of follow up. When the BMD was adjusted for age and BMI, there was a decrease in BMD at one year which was less in the second year including that the damage in BMD caused by thyroid hormone excess is not made up even after two years of patient being euthyroid. Whether vitamin D replacement would change this needs to be studied.

Enfermedad de graves en asociación con miastenia gravis: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Myasthenia gravis with concomitant hyperthyroidism: report of one case

Myasthenia gravis and Graves disease are autoimmune diseases that can coexist in the same patient. We report a 18 years old female with a history of myasthenia gravis diagnosed at the age of six, treated with neostigmine and prednisone. She starts with palpitations, dyspnea, proximal muscle weakness and exophthalmos appearing seven months after the onset of symptoms. She was admitted to the hospital due to her decompensated hyperthyroidism. After admission, she develops a myasthenic crisis, that requires mechanical ventilation. Afterwards, the patient is subjected to a thymectomy and thyroidectomy with a good postoperative evolution.

[Comparison of glucose tolerance in patients with graves disease treated with methimazole with those who have received radioiodine]

One of the major concern of the administration of radioiodine is its complications. Pancras has sodium iodine symporter and may concentrate radioiodine. This study compared glucose tolerance in Graves disease patients on continuous treatment with antithyroid drugs, with those who received radioiodine. Materials and In this study, 132 patients with Graves' disease who relapsed after drug therapy were randomly selected on by the patient preference for long-term treatment with either methimazole or radioactive iodine. In each group, fasting blood sugar, glucose tolerance test, and lipid profiles, TSH, insulin, HOMA-IR and HOMA-B were measured. The two groups showed no significant difference in age sex, BMI and BP. Median FBS and HOMA-IR in the radioactive iodine group were higher than in the methimazole group [94 mg/dl vs. 90 mg/dl, P=0.019] and 1.5[1.2-2.3] vs. 1.3[0.8-2.1, P=0.045, respectively, but after adjustment there was no difference between the two groups; no significant difference was seen in HOMA-B, median two-hour blood glucose and serum insulin levels, between the two groups. Results indicate no relationship between radioactive iodine treatment and glucose intolerance

Evaluación del tratamiento de pacientes con enfermedad de Graves Basedow y su relación con indicadores de necesidades básicas insatisfechas / Medical treatment evaluation in patients with Graves Basedow disease in relation to indicators of unsatisfied basic needs

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue, evaluar el cumplimiento del tratamiento médico de pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad de Graves Basedow y la evolución de la misma (remisión o recidiva) en relación a indicadores de necesidades básicas insatisfechas (NBI). Se practicó la revisión retrospectiva de 156 pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad de Graves Basedow, los cuales tuvieron un seguimiento entre 3 y 36 años (: 9.6 años), evaluándose en cada caso los diferentes tratamientos de inicio instituidos (metimazol-MMI-, yodo radiactivo o cirugía). De los pacientes que iniciaron y continuaron el tratamiento médico con metimazol (n=140), se revisó el cumplimiento y la eficacia del mismo, relacionándolo con los indicadores de privación (NBI). De los 156 pacientes estudiados, (137 mujeres Y 19 hombres), con una edad : 42.3 años, el tratamiento de inicio fue: con metimazol en 144, con radio yodo en 6 y con cirugía en 6 pacientes. De los 144 casos que comenzaron el tratamiento con MMI, 140 lo continuaron; de los cuales el 42,86% (n=60), presentaron indicadores de necesidades básicas insatisfechas mientras que el 57.14% (n=80) no presentaron indicadores de NBI. De los 140 pacientes que continuaron el tratamiento médico, el 24,28% (n=34), presentaron remisión de la enfermedad. El 90% de los casos que presentaron algún indicador/es de NBI no cumplieron con el tratamiento vs. el 17.5% de los pacientes NO NBI. La enfermedad remitió con tratamiento con metimazol en el 3.3% de los casos con NBI y en el 40% de los casos NO NBI. Teniendo en cuenta los resultados obtenidos, creemos que podría ser de utilidad, evaluar en los casos de pacientes con enfermedad de Graves Basedow la presencia de indicadores de privación, antes de instituir el tratamiento antitiroideo apropiado.

The objective of the present paper was to evaluate the compliance of medical treatment in patients with Graves Basedow disease diagnosis and the disease evolution (remission or relapse) in relation to indicators of unsatisfied basic needs. A retrospective review of 156 patients with Graves Basedow diagnosis was performed. They were followed up between 3 and 36 years (: 9.6 years), in each case, evaluating the different initial treatments implemented (methimazole-MMI, radioactive iodine or surgery). In those patients who started and followed medical treatment with methimazole (n= 140), compliance and efficacy were reviewed in relation to deprivation indicators. Out of the 156 patients studied (137 women and 19 men), with a mean age of : 42.3 years old, the initial treatment was: 144 patients with methimazole, 6 patients with radioiodine and 6 patients submitted to surgery. Out of the 144 cases who started treatment with MMI, 140 continued with it, of which 42.86% (n=60) showed unsatisfied basic needs indicators whereas 57.14% (n= 80) did not present indicators of unsatisfied basic needs. Out of the 140 patients who continued the medical treatment, 24.28 (n= 34) showed disease remission. Concerning the cases that showed some indicators of unsatisfied basic needs, 90% did not comply with the treatment versus 17.5% which did not present unsatisfied basic needs. The disease showed remission with methimazole treatment in 3.3% of the cases with unsatisfied basic needs and in 40% of the cases which did not present unsatisfied basic needs. Taking into account the results obtained, we believe that in the cases of patients with Graves Basedow disease, it might be useful to evaluate the presence of deprivation indicators before implementing the appropriate antithyroid treatment.

Neuropatía óptica distiroidea como manifestación de orbitopatía de Graves / Dysthyroid optic neuropathy: report of one case

Dysthyroid optic neuropathy is an uncommon and severe form of presentation of Graves ophtalmopathy, caused by compression and elongation of the optic nerve. Use of high dose steroids is the treatment of choice. Decompressive surgery is reserved for refractory cases. We report a 41 years old female with a dysthyroid optic neuropathy that appeared 18 years after the diagnosis of Graves disease, manifested by a marked reduction in visual acuity. Orbit CAT scan did not show compression or elongation of optic nerve. She was treated with prednisone 60 mg per day, obtaining a complete remission after 19 days of treatment. After 90 days of follow up with low doses of steroids, the patient remains asymptomatic.

Mudanças evolutivas no tratamento da doença de Graves com iodo radioativo: 12 anos de experiência em um hospital universitário / Changing trends in the treatment of Graves' disease with radioiodine: a 12-year experience in a university hospital

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a mudança no perfil e abordagem dos pacientes com doença de Graves submetidos a dose terapêutica de radioiodo. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Avaliamos, retrospectivamente, 226 pacientesportadores de doença de Graves submetidos a dose terapêutica de radioiodo entre janeiro de 1990 e dezembro de 2001. O período de 12 anos foi dividido em três períodos de 4 anos para fins de análise estatística,sendo comparadas variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais nos períodos descritos. RESULTADOS: Constatamos que o número de pacientes encaminhados para a dose terapêutica, assim como o percentual de pacientes do sexo feminino (de 62% para 86%; p = 0,005), tiveram incremento significativo. Houve aumento significativo no percentual de pacientes em uso de metimazol previamente à dose terapêutica (de 9,1% para 35,6%;p = 0,03). A dose média de iodo administrada também teve incremento significativo (de 7,6 mCi para 12,7mCi; p = 0,000003), com reflexo direto em um maior percentual de pacientes curados (de 55,6% para 83,7%; p = 0,004) um ano pós-dose terapêutica. CONCLUSÃO: A dose terapêutica de radioiodo tem sido um método cada vez mais aceito nos pacientes com doença de Graves e a dose administrada tem sido cada vez maior, no intuito de cura permanente e diminuição das chances de recidiva.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes in clinical parameters and in the approach to patients submitted to radioiodine therapy for Graves' disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dossiers of 226 patients submitted to radioiodine therapy for Graves' disease in the period between January 1990 and December 2001 were retrospectively evaluated. For the purposes of statistical analysis, the 12-year period was subdivided into three periods of 4 years, with a comparison of clinical and laboratory variables in these periods. RESULTS: The authors have observed that the total number of patients referred for radioiodine therapy as well as the percentage of female patients presented a significant increase (from 62% to 86%; p = 0.005). The percentage of patients pretreated with methimazole before radioiodine therapy increased significantly (from 9.1% to35.6%; p = 0.03). The mean radioiodine dose delivered has also presented a significant increase (from 7.6 mCi to 12.7 mCi; p = 0.000003) with a direct reflection on a higher percentage of patients cured one year after the radioiodine therapy (from 55.6% to 83.7%; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Radioiodine therapy has increasingly been accepted for treatment of patients with Graves' disease and the doses delivered have increased to achieve a permanent cure as well as a reduction of the chances of recurrence.