title: Hyperthyroidism: diagnosis and management of Graves' disease.
abstract: Hyperthyroidism, or thyrotoxicosis, results when the body's tissues are exposed to excessive levels of thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism affects 2% of women but only one-tenth as many men. Graves' disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism, often occurring in young adults. It is an autoimmune disorder with an important genetic component. Hyperthyroidism's hallmarks include goiter and myriad signs and symptoms related to increased metabolic activity in virtually all body tissues. Increased sensitivity to circulating catecholamines adds to the clinical picture. Diagnosed by patient history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, Graves' disease is treated with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, and/or surgery, plus supportive therapy. A good treatment outcome can be expected; long-term follow-up is indicated.
authors.affiliation: Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner Program, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Schilling
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000503:physiopathology; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination; D011247:Pregnancy; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes