TSH-Receptor Autoimmunity in Graves' Disease After Therapy With Anti-Thyroid Drugs, Surgery, or Radioiodine: A 5-Year Prospective Randomized Study - oneGRAVESvoice
Global Search
Global Search

Trusted Resources: Evidence & Education

Scientific literature and patient education texts

Back to Evidence & Education / Scientific Articles

TSH-Receptor Autoimmunity in Graves’ Disease After Therapy With Anti-Thyroid Drugs, Surgery, or Radioiodine: A 5-Year Prospective Randomized Study

key information

source: European Journal of Endocrinology / European Federation of Endocrine Societies

year: 2008

authors: Laurberg P, Wallin G, Tallstedt L, Abraham-Nordling M, Lundell G, Tørring O

summary/abstract:

Introduction:
Autoimmunity against the TSH receptor is a key pathogenic element in Graves’ disease. The autoimmune aberration may be modified by therapy of the hyperthyroidism.

Objective:
To compare the effects of the common types of therapy for Graves’ hyperthyroidism on TSH-receptor autoimmunity.

Methods:
Patients with newly diagnosed Graves’ hyperthyroidism aged 20-55 years were randomized to medical therapy, thyroid surgery, or radioiodine therapy (radioiodine was only given to patients > or = 35 years of age). L-thyroxine (L-T4) was added to therapy as appropriate to keep patients euthyroid. Anti-thyroid drugs were withdrawn after 18 months of therapy. TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAb) in serum were measured before and for 5 years after the initiation of therapy.

Results:
Medical therapy (n=48) and surgery (n=47) were followed by a gradual decrease in TRAb in serum, with the disappearance of TRAb in 70-80% of the patients after 18 months. Radioiodine therapy (n=36) led to a 1-year long worsening of autoimmunity against the TSH receptor, and the number of patients entering remission of TSH-receptor autoimmunity with the disappearance of TRAb from serum during the following years was considerably lower than with the other types of therapy.

Conclusion:
The majority of patients with Graves’ disease gradually enter remission of TSH-receptor autoimmunity during medical or after surgical therapy, with no difference between the types of therapy. Remission of TSH-receptor autoimmunity after radioiodine therapy is less common.

organization: Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark

DOI: 10.1530/EJE-07-0450

read more full text

Related Content

To improve your experience on this site, we use cookies. This includes cookies essential for the basic functioning of our website, cookies for analytics purposes, and cookies enabling us to personalize site content. By clicking on 'Accept' or any content on this site, you agree that cookies can be placed. You may adjust your browser's cookie settings to suit your preferences. More Information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close

Powered by

Brought to you by

Supported through an independent
educational grant by

© 2022 rareLife solutions Inc.