The course of diffuse hyperthyroidism in Basedow disease
Schifferdecker, E.
Fortschritte der Medizin 108(1): 42-44
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-8178 PMID: 1690164 Document Number: 352694
An investigation of a large group of patients with Graves' disease demonstrates that this autoimmune disorder of the thyroid is a chronic process with an often protracted course and therefore requires virtually life-long management. Drug therapy (with thionamides) is associated with a high rate of relapse of 60-70%-reliable criteria for the cessation of the autoimmune process are not available. Surgical therapy may also fail to provide lasting control of hyperthyroidism.