Preoperative clinical features of reactivated of Graves' orbitopathy after orbital decompression

PurposeTo investigate the incidence and preoperative clinical features of reactivated Graves' orbitopathy (GO) after orbital decompression.MethodsThis study included patients with GO who underwent orbital decompression for disfiguring proptosis and not compressive optic neuropathy and received postoperative follow-up care for more than 12 months. Patients who experienced active inflammatory signs within 6 months of decompression were excluded from analysis. The demographic characteristics, ophthalmic manifestations, and biochemical parameters of the patients were analyzed for association with reactivation of GO by logistic regression analysis.ResultsOut of the 92 patients included in this study, seven (7.6%) experienced reactivation of GO after orbital decompression. The mean time interval between surgery and reactivation of GO was 36.3±14.3 weeks. Univariate logistic regression analysis identified age, existing smoking habits, and modified NOSPECS and Gorman scores as significant factors for the reactivation of GO. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that smoking and modified NOSPECS and Gorman scores were associated with the reactivation of GO.ConclusionsQuitting smoking is important for the prevention of reactivation of GO after orbital decompression. Patients with severe symptoms, especially those with restrictive myopathy, should be carefully monitored for reactivation of GO after orbital decompression.