GRAVES-DISEASE - DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT - THE EXPERIENCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL-MEDICINE IN OUAGADOUGOU

The epidemiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects-of Graves' disease were studied in 12 patients seen in a Department of Internal Medicine in Ouagadougou. Most patients were young females. The diagnosis was often clinically obvious and was confirmed by hormone assays in every case. Three patients were treated conservatively by thyroid antagonists and adjuvant drugs. Four patients underwent thyroidectomy after preparatory drug therapy. Outcomes were satisfactory. Discontinuation of drug therapy was followed by a recurrence in two patients. Among the surgical patients, two developed hypothyroidism in the immediate postoperative period. Obstacles to appropriate management included inadequate drug supplies and the high cost of drugs and follow-up investigations.