[The course of diffuse hyperthyroidism in Basedow disease].

An investigation of a large group of patients with Graves' disease demonstrates that this autoimmune disorder of the thyroid is a chronic process with an often protracted course and therefore requires virtually life-long management. Drug therapy (with thionamides) is associated with a high rate of relapse of 60-70%-reliable criteria for the cessation of the autoimmune process are not available. Surgical therapy may also fail to provide lasting control of hyperthyroidism.