Therapeutic responses to corticosteroids in Graves' ophthalmopathy
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
Journal Volume
95
Journal Issue
11
Pages
833-838
Date Issued
1996
Author(s)
Abstract
To elucidate the therapeutic responses to corticosteroids and prognostic factors in the treatment of Graves' ophthalmopathy, 23 patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy were treated with intravenous methylprednisolone 0.5 g daily for 3 days, followed by prednisolone 40 mg dialy. Dosage was reduced gradually to 10 mg daily over 4 weeks. The symptoms and signs of the eyes were recorded. Orbital computed tomography and urinary glycosaminoglycan excretion testing were performed before treatment. We observed the effectiveness of treatment at 6 months as the endpoint of this study and classified to the response as good or poor. We compared the differences in parameters between these two groups. The results showed that 12 (52%) out of 23 patients had a good response, and three (25%) of those with a good response recovered completely. Corticosteroid therapy dramatically improved lacrimation, reduced soreness and congestion of the eyes and ameliorated exophthalmos, lagophthalmos and extraocular muscle movement. Four (36%) of the 11 patients with a poor response had rebound of symptoms and/or signs after the dosage of prednisolone was decreased. Those with a good response were usually younger, and enlargement of the extraocular muscle was also milder than in those with a poor response. This study demonstrated that corticosteroid therapy is effective in Graves' ophthalmopathy and that extraocular muscle size demonstrated by orbital computed tomography is a prognostic factor of therapy.
Subjects
corticosteroid therapy; glycosaminoglycan; Graves' disease; Graves' ophthalmopathy; orbital computed tomography; prognostic factors
SDGs
Other Subjects
corticosteroid; methylprednisolone; adult; article; clinical article; clinical trial; computer assisted tomography; drug efficacy; eye disease; female; graves disease; human; intravenous drug administration; male; prognosis; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Female; Graves Disease; Humans; Male; Methylprednisolone; Middle Aged; Prednisolone; Prognosis; Visual Acuity
Type
journal article