The relation of Graves' ophthalmopathy to circulating thyroid hormone status.

AIM: The risk factors and epidemiological data for Graves' ophthalmopathy with and without abnormal circulating thyroid levels were examined to determine the relation of thyroid dysfunction to ophthalmopathy.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively evaluated 482 patients seen with Graves' ophthalmopathy. Of these, 413 were classified as having abnormal levels of circulating thyroid hormone (ALTH) and 69 as having normal levels of circulating thyroid hormone (NLTH).

RESULTS

Patients in the NLTH group, compared to the ALTH group, were older on average (56 (SD 13.5) v 52 (15.4)) and had a higher age adjusted body mass index (26.1 (0.8) v 23.4 (0.3)). In addition, a higher percentage of NLTH patients had hypercholesterolaemia. Those in the ALTH group were more likely to be female (76% v 51%), to have a family history of thyroid problems, and to have had eye surgery.

CONCLUSION

NLTH and ALTH appear to differ from each other in terms of risk factors and epidemiological characteristics. Additionally, thyroid dysfunction seems to be associated with a more severe ophthalmopathy compared to the euthyroid state.