The Epidemiological Characteristics of Patients with Thyroid Eye Disease in a Referral Center in Northern Iran

Purpose: Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the orbital tissues. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the demographics, clinical features, severity, and activity of TED in patients of a referral center in the north of Iran. Methods: Patients with diagnosed TED who were referred to Amiralmomenin Hospital,Rasht, Iran from March 2012 to March 2014 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Data from previous eye examinations included measurement of proptosis, lid width, lagophthalmos, extraocular muscle function, and visual acuity. The activity of ophthalmopathy was scored according to the clinical activity score (CAS). Results: During the study period, TED was diagnosed in 103 patients with a mean age of 42.1 ± 13.91 years. Of those patients, 52.4% were women, and 80% had hyperthyroidism. The mean duration of TED was 36.5 ± 53.12 months. Extraocular muscle involvement (98%) and eyelid retraction (88.3%) were the most common manifestations. Per the CAS results, 86 (83.5%) patients were at stage 0 and there was a significant difference in CAS scores between male and female patients: women > men, P = 0.02. Conclusion: : The characteristics of TED in patients of the studied referral center during a two-year period, including common signs and symptoms, disease duration, treatment, activity of disease indicated and emphasized that TED is an important health concern among patients with thyroid disorders. Notably, many patients in this study had orbital squeal of TED meaning that they had inactive TED. Proper management of this serious complication requires close cooperation between endocrinologists and ophthalmologists to ensure timely referrals for appropriate care.