An evaluation of plasma exchange for Graves' ophthalmopathy

Eighteen patients with ocular manifestations of Graves' disease were treated by plasma exchange. Detailed clinical, ophthalmological and orthoptic assessments were made including computerized axial tomography and A + B scan ultrasound of the orbits. Seventeen different ocular parameters were separately rated for each patient. The changes recorded were small, statistically insignificant, and no patient was cured of ocular disease. There were no significant correlations between the ocular changes recorded and age, sex, duration of ophthalmic symptoms, the presence of thyroid antibodies, the number of exchanges, or the concurrent administration of azathioprine.