Graves' Disease Flashcards
1
Q
what is the first-line therapy in graves disease?
A
anti-thyroid drugs
2
Q
what is used to control symptoms in graves disease?
A
propranolol
block the adrenergic effects
3
Q
what anti-thyroid drugs are used in graves disease?
A
carbimazole 40mg and reduced gradually to maintain euthyroidism
4
Q
how long is carbimazole continued for?
A
12-18 months
5
Q
what is a complication of carbimazole?
A
agranulocytosis
6
Q
what is the ‘block-and-replace’ regime in graves disease?
A
- carbimazole 40mg
- thyroxine when euthyroid
lasts for 6-9 months
- thyroxine when euthyroid
7
Q
when is radioiodine treatment used in graves disease?
A
- patients who relapse following ATD therapy
- resistant to primary ATD treatment
8
Q
what are the contraindications for radioiodine therapy?
A
- pregnancy
- age <16 years
- thyroid eye = relative contraindication
9
Q
how long should pregnancy be avoided following radioiodine treatment?
A
4-6 months
10
Q
how long after treatment do patients start to need thyroxine supplementation following radioiodine therapy?
A
5 years
