Comparative effectiveness of therapies for Graves' hyperthyroidism: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Several treatment options are available for Graves' disease (GD), including antithyroid drugs (ATDs), radioactive iodine (RAI), and thyroidectomy.

The primary outcome was to determine the relapse rates of various treatment options. The secondary outcome was to present data regarding adverse effects of ATDs.

We searched multiple databases through March 2012.

Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials and comparative cohort studies in adults that included 2 or more treatment options for GD.

Two reviewers independently selected studies, appraised study quality, extracted outcome data, and determined adverse effect profiles.

We found 8 studies with 1402 patients from 5 continents. Mean follow-up duration in months was: ATDs, 57; RAI, 64; and surgery, 59. Studies were at moderate to high risk of bias. Network meta-analysis suggested higher relapse rates with ATDs (52.7%; 352 of 667) than RAI (15%, 46 of 304) (odds ratio = 6.25; 95% confidence interval, 2.40-16.67) and with ATDs than surgery (10%; 39 of 387) (odds ratio = 9.09; 95% confidence interval, 4.65-19.23). There was no significant difference in relapse between RAI and surgery. Examination of 31 cohort studies identified adverse effects of ATDs in 692 of 5136 (13%) patients. These were more common with methimazole, mainly owing to dermatological complications, whereas hepatic effects were more common with propylthiouracil use.

We confirm the relatively high relapse rate of ATD therapy in comparison with RAI or surgery, along with a significant side effect profile for these drugs. These data can inform discussion between physicians and patients regarding the choice of therapy for GD. The limited quality of the evidence in the literature underlines the need for future randomized clinical trials in this area.