0000000000230986
AUTHOR
Herbert Hirche
Response to methimazole in Graves' disease
Summary OBJECTIVE A variety of regimens continue to be used In the treatment of Graves' disease with antithyrold drugs. We have lnvestigated the factors which determine the initial response to methimazole (time until euthyroidism Is achieved) In Graves' disease. PATIENTS Five hundred and nine patients with Graves' disease in different European countries with normal and subnormal iodine supply. Patients were randomized to treatment with either 10 or 40mg of methimazole per day for one year, with levothyroxine supplementation as required to maintain euthyroidism. Investigations were carried out before treatment and at 3 and 6 weeks and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. MEASUREMENTS Response was assessed…
Is there a methimazole dose effect on remission rate in Graves' disease? Results from a long-term prospective study
OBJECTIVE The optimal antithyroid drug regimen for Graves' disease remains a matter of controversy. The European Multicentre Trial Group has investigated the effects of methimazole drug dose on the long-term outcome of Graves' disease. DESIGN Extended follow-up of patients from a prospective multicentre trial, designed to study methimazole dose effects on the outcome of Graves' disease. We have reported previously that the relapse rates did not differ after a medication-free observation period of 12 months; the relapse rates were 37 and 38%, respectively. In this paper, we describe the outcome in these patients after a mean observation period of 4.3 ± 1.3 years and have looked for potential…