Antithyroid drugs in the management of patients with Graves' disease: an evidence-based approach to therapeutic controversies.

yperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder. A recent national survey found a prevalence of 0.5% in the general US population. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, which accounts for 80% to 90% of cases. Three treatment options currently are available for patients with Graves’ disease: radioiodine therapy, antithyroid drugs, and thyroidectomy. The clinician should choose among these options based on an assessment of the patient’s condition, the physician’s experience with each option, and the patient’s preference. In the United States, radioiodine therapy is the most frequently chosen treatment option in Graves’ disease, but antithyroid drugs usually are prescribed for younger patients and for pregnant or Antithyroid Drugs in the Management of Patients With Graves’ Disease