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Br J Ophthalmol 2004;88:72-74 doi:10.1136/bjo.88.1.72
  • Clinical science
    • Scientific reports

The relation of Graves’ ophthalmopathy to circulating thyroid hormone status

  1. J M Kim1,
  2. L LaBree2,
  3. L Levin3,
  4. S E Feldon3,4
  1. 1Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, CA, USA
  2. 2Department of Preventive Medicine Statistical Consultation and Research Center, University of Southern California, CA, USA
  3. 3Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California, CA, USA
  4. 4Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, CA, USA
  1. Correspondence to: Steven E Feldon, MD University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Eye Institute, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; stevenfeldonurmc.rochester.edu
  • Accepted 26 May 2003

Abstract

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.

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