Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones. Synthetic antithyroid drugs are essential to reduce these hormones before definitive treatment, but they can lead to side effects. This study aims to assess the frequency of these effects and their management.

Patients and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study over 5 years (2018-2023) involving 79 patients treated for hyperthyroidism who experienced side effects of synthetic antithyroid drugs.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 38 years, with a female predominance. The most common etiologies were Graves’ disease (54.4%), toxic nodular goiter (32.9%), and toxic nodule (7.5%). Approximately 96.2% received initial treatment with synthetic antithyroid drugs (47.3% Neomercazole, 36.8% Thiamazole, 15.7% PTU). 23.6% of patients experienced side effects: agranulocytosis (2.6%), neutropenia (3.9%), hepatic cytolysis (6.5%), and skin rash (10.5%). No cases of acute pancreatitis or vasculitis were recorded. These effects primarily occurred within the first three months of treatment. Management varied from prescribing antihistamines for skin rashes to temporary discontinuation followed by reintroduction of antithyroid drugs after the disappearance of adverse effects, or definitive discontinuation of treatment with rapid medical preparation for definitive therapy. The outcome was favorable in 98.7% of cases, except for one patient who died due to agranulocytosis.

Conclusion: Synthetic antithyroid drugs are associated with potentially serious side effects that need to be clearly explained to patients. Clinical and laboratory monitoring is crucial, especially during the first three months of treatment.