Preventing Graves' Ophthalmopathy / Thyroid Eye Disease
In a plenary lecture at the recent European Congress of Endocrinology, held in Berlin, Germany from May 3-7, 2008, Dr. Wilmar Wiersinga made the case that while there are many open questions about Graves' opthalmopathy -- also known as thyroid eye disease -- some key facts are known, including a key factor in preventing the condition.
- In Graves' ophthalmopathy, the targets of the autoimmune attack are cells known as orbital fibroblasts
- Swelling of muscles and fat around the eye are responsible in part for the symptoms and signs of Graves' ophthalmopathy,
- Better outcomes are seen for patients who are euthyroid (TSH is in the normal range)
- Immunosuppression treatment is recommended only in active Graves' ophthalmopathy, and the most effective immunosuppression treatment is corticosteroid treatment, specifically IV pulses of methylprednisolone
- At present, anticytokine treatment (Rituximab) is promising, but still being studied
"The discontinuation of smoking constitutes primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.So, while Dr. Wiersinga has underlined the fact that much remains to be studied about Graves' ophthalmopathy, it is clear that smoking is one risk factor that is definitely within the control of patients. (Read more about the link between smoking and various forms of thyroid disease, including eye problems.
Keep in mind that you don't have to have Graves' disease to be at risk of Graves' ophthalmopathy. Anyone who has TSH receptor autoantibodies -- which are detectable in some Hashimoto's disease patients -- is at increased risk of Graves' ophthalmopathy.
Your Next Step?
Stop smoking. I know, sounds easier than it actually is. (I was a long-time smoker myself, and quitting was one of the hardest things I've ever done. But WELL worth it!)
My suggestion? Start at Terry Martin's Quit Smoking/Smoking Cessation site here at About.com. In particular, check out her Quit Smoking Toolbox, and at minimum, sign up for her "Prepare to Quit Smoking" free email newsletter course.
Source: Wiersinga, Wilmar. "Graves’ ophthalmopathy: problems solved and new questions to be answered," Endocrine Abstracts (2008) 16 PL6, Online
Image: stockxpert
Comments
I was ALL EXCITED when I saw in your newsletter that Dr. Wilmar Wiersinga in Germany had to say that were ‘KEY FINDINGS’ about TED and ‘Also find out
what Dr. Wiersinga said is the key way to prevent this debilitating eye problem.’
Imagine my DISMAY and MY ANGER when I read through your link that all of the key findings are THINGS ALREADY WELL KNOWN, and, so is the SMOKING ISSUE.
I am VERY DISAPPOINTED IN YOU, Mary Shomon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! in you sounding like you had NEW INFORMATION, which you DID NOT!