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Treatment of choice to improve Graves ophthalmopathy

User Yany
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Final answer:

The treatment of Graves ophthalmopathy may include antithyroid drugs, glucocorticoids, selenium supplements, orbital radiotherapy, or surgery, aimed at reducing inflammation and autoimmune activity in the eye area.

Step-by-step explanation:

The treatment of choice to improve Graves ophthalmopathy, which is characterized by symptoms such as proptosis (bulging eyes) and lid retraction, often involves a combination of therapies. While antithyroid drugs such as thiourea and thiouracil are important for controlling the hyperthyroid aspect of Graves' disease by inhibiting thyroperoxidase, the management of the ocular manifestations may also include glucocorticoids, selenium supplements, and in some cases, orbital radiotherapy or surgery. The aim of these treatments is to reduce the inflammation and autoimmune activity around the eyes.

Additionally, the use of antithyroid drugs, such as thiocyanate and perchlorate, can help control the disease by inhibiting iodine uptake by the thyroid gland, therefore decreasing the production of thyroid hormones that are central to Graves' disease pathology. However, specific treatments for ophthalmopathy may vary depending on the severity and symptoms of the individual patient.

User Mike Douglas
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