Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America
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Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. North Am. · Jun 2009
ReviewTreatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism: evidence-based and emerging modalities.
Currently there are three well-established treatment options for hyperthyroid Graves' disease (GD): antithyroid drug therapy with thionamides (ATD), radioactive iodine treatment with (131)I, and thyroid surgery. This article reviews the current evidence so the reader can evaluate advantages and disadvantages of these treatment modalities. Surgery is rarely used, except for patients who have a large goiter or ophthalmopathy. ⋯ No data as yet support the routine use of biologic therapies (eg, rituximab). Prospective, randomized studies comparing available and any novel therapeutic options for GD are needed. The focus of these studies should include, but not be limited to, cost and quality of life.