Long-term antithyroid treatment in hyperthyroidism

JAMA. 1979 Nov 30;242(22):2408-10.

Abstract

The major drawback to treatment of hyperthyroidism with antithyroid compounds is the reported low rate of remission. Eighty patients have been given long-term (at least one year; average, 4.4 years; range, one to 14 years) continuous treatment with a remission rate of 76% and an average follow-up of 7.8 years (one to 21 years). The prognostic test of suppressed uptake by the thyroid of less than 20% was about 75% accurate in predicting continuing remission when treatment was stopped. Of those in remission, 14 (23%) were treated for one year, 35 (57%) for one to five years, and 12 (20%) for more than five years. Mild reactions occurred in five (6%), hypothyroidism in two (3%). An antithyroid drug is safe and effective therapy for hyperthyroidism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antithyroid Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Propylthiouracil / therapeutic use
  • Sex Factors
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Propylthiouracil