title: An update on the pharmacological management of hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease.
abstract: Pharmacological treatment, usually by thionamides (carbimazole, methimazole, propylthiouracil) is, in addition to radioiodine therapy and thyroidectomy, one of the available therapies for Graves' hyperthyroidism. Thionamides represent the treatment of choice in pregnant women, during lactation, in children and adolescents and in preparation for radioiodine therapy or thyroidectomy. Side effects are relatively frequent but are in general mild and transient. Two main regimens are available: titration method (use of the lowest dose maintaining euthyroidism; duration: 12-18 months) and block-and-replace method. Neither one has clear advantages in terms of outcome but the latter method is associated with more frequent side effects. Hyperthyroidism relapses in approximately 50% of patients, to whom ablative therapy should be offered.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Ospedale di Circolo, University of Insubria, Viale Borri, 57, 21100 Varese, Italy. l.bartalena@libero.it
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bartalena
authors.forename: Maria Laura
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Tanda
authors.forename: Fausto
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bogazzi
authors.forename: Eliana
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Piantanida
authors.forename: Adriana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: Enio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Martino
mesh_terms: D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019468:Disease Management; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D013956:Antithyroid Agents