The Effect of Early Total Thyroidectomy in the Course of Graves' Orbitopathy
The Effect of Early Total Thyroidectomy in the Course of Graves' Orbitopathy
The relationship between the method of the treatment of hyperthyroidism due to Graves'
 disease and the course of Graves' ophthalmopathy is debated. The investigators aimed to
 compare the results of total thyroidectomy done in 6 months following the appearance of the
 symptoms of ophthalmopathy and the antithyroid drug therapy in patients with moderate to
 severe Graves' ophthalmopathy.

 The inclusion criteria: 1)Hyperthyroidism and moderate to severe Graves' ophthalmopathy
 within 6 months, 2)Thyroid volumes greater than or equal to 15 mL in thyroid ultrasonography,
 3)Patients taking no treatment except local medications for Graves' ophthalmopathy,
 4)Clinical activity score of 3/7 or more, proptosis greater than or equal to 21 mm in one eye
 or 2 mm difference between two eyes, presence of diplopia, the opening of the eye lid greater
 than or equal to 9 mm.

 All patients will be treated with antithyroid drug until TSH levels of the patients are
 between 0.4-1. During this period all the patients will take pulse methyl prednisolone
 treatment of a total dose of 4.5 gr. After pulse steroid treatment the patients will be
 randomised to two groups: one group will be sent to surgery for total thyroidectomy, and
 their TSH levels will be kept between 0.4-1 with levothyroxine treatment; the other group
 will be followed under antithyroid drug treatment and their TSH levels will be kept between
 0.4-1 also.

 The smoking habits will be asked. Serum TSH, fT4 levels, Hertelmeter and eye lid opening
 measurements, clinical activity scores, diplopia will be evaluated monthly; TSH receptor
 antibody, anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin levels will be measured in 3 months
 intervals for a period of 12 months.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Hyperthyroidism and moderate to severe Graves' ophthalmopathy within 6 months,

 -  Thyroid volumes greater than or equal to 15 mL in thyroid ultrasonography,

 -  Patients taking no treatment except local medications for Graves' ophthalmopathy,

 -  Clinical activity score of 3/7 or more, proptosis greater than or equal to 21 mm in
 one eye or 2 mm difference between two eyes, presence of diplopia, the opening of the
 eye lid greater than or equal to 9 mm.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients taking treatment other than local medications for Graves' ophthalmopathy (eg:
 steroid treatment)