TREATMENT OF NON-TOXIC GOITRE WITH THYROID PREPARATIONS

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Abstract
Treatment with a thyroid preparation was used in 75 cases of non-toxic goiter. In 63 cases there was nodular goiter in 12 diffuse goiter. The observation period varied from 3 to 42 months. The size of the goiter decreased in 50 cases (68%) of which 40 had a nodular goiter and 10 a diffuse goiter. In the 63 cases with a nodular goiter the size of the nodules decreased in 39 cases and the nodules disappeared completely in 2 cases (65% in all). In 5 cases (7%) there was no change in the size of the thyroid or the nodules. Temporary factitious hyperthyroidism appeared in 7 cases but subsided rapidly after adjustment of the dose. In one case an endogenous hyperthyroidism evidently developed, probably owing to initial latent hyperthyroidism. Treatment of non-toxic goiter with thyroid preparations or hormones is recommended 1) in diffuse goiter, 2) in nodular goiter as a trial and 3) after thyroidectomy for compressive goiter. The value of radioactive iodine uptake or excretion tests for the assessment of the response to treatment and the adjustment of the dose is emphasized.