[Evaluation of the results of treatment of Graves' disease by synthetic antithyroid drugs].

A study of 43 case records of Grave's disease followed up for at least two years after stopping treatment with synthetic antithyroid drugs, revealed 7 patients who did not relapse, 12 cases of rebound, (less than six months after stopping treatment), and 21 cases of recurrence (more than six months) of 10 cases (23%) had several recurrences. In relation to the 87 patients who formed this series, the cure rate after a single acute attack was only 50%. The good tolerance of antithyroid drugs, their almost complete efficacy, (2 failures out of 87 patients), indicate however that for a first attack they should be given for at least 18 months. Rebounds and recurrences suggest that radical treatment, mainly surgery, still have their place.