PROLONGED METHYLTHIOURACIL TREATMENT IN THYROTOXICOSIS. RESULTS AFTER CESSATION OF THE TREATMENT

Abstract

An after-investigation has been made on 190 patients with thyrotoxicosis treated continuously with methylthiouracil, which the authors consider to be better suited to the purpose than propylthiouracil. The patients were in the hospital when the treatment started but continuation treatment was carried on in the out-patient department. The admn. of methylthiouracil lasted on an avg. 12 mos. In 2 patients the treatment was contraindicated because of tracheal compression, in 13 patients it had to be abandoned because of hypersensitiveness, and in 5 patients from lack of cooperation. At the after-examination 111 patients had been without treatment for more than 3 months. Ten of these, or about 9%, had genuine relapses and treatment was started again. All the thyrotoxic symptoms diminished or disappeared during the treatment. After the treatment was completed the goiter tended to decrease in size and eventually to disappear. Prolonged methylthiouracil treatment counteracts thyrotoxicosis and shortens the duration of the disease itself. Despite the chance of relapse, which can be controlled by renewed treatment, it seems possible to achieve a permanent cure of thyrotoxicosis.