[Retrospective studies of the long-term course of various forms of hyperthyroidism with special reference to...

In 153 patients, who from 1978 to 1982 were under treatment for clinically and radiochemically proven hyperthyroidism, thyroid function was re-examined at an observation interval of 5-10 years. Overall, the remission rate after initial treatment was 75%; after 5-10 years, 123 patients (80%) showed an euthyroid metabolic condition. Following conservative therapy alone, euthyroidism was seen unexpectedly often in patients with supposed autonomy. This is probably due to a transitory iodine contamination and a heterogeneous case material, as the differentiation from Basedow's hyperthyroidism may be difficult. The conservative initial therapy with thyrostatic drugs is indicated for both forms of hyperthyroidism. Based on the hitherto known prognostic criteria, a reliable prediction of the clinical course of a given case cannot be provided.