Changes in therapeutic response, ocular manifestations of Graves' orbitopathy and quality of life during the first year after orbital radiotherapy.

Abstract

The aim of our study was to assess the changes in the therapeutic response, ocular manifestations of GO and quality of life during the first year after OR. The study involved 26 consecutive patients with active moderate-to-severe GO indicated for OR, 18 females, mean age 57 ± 12.5. At baseline, all patients underwent comprehensive ocular examination and thyroid hormone and antibody testing. Then, OR was performed with a total dose of 20Gy, divided into 10 sessions of 2Gy each with concomitant oral intake of low-dose glucocorticoids. Therapeutic response and individual ocular manifestations were evaluated 1, 3, 6 and 12months after OR, and QoL-at 3, 6 and 12months by a disease-specific questionnaire. One month after OR, 61.6% of patients had a therapeutic response (full or partial). During the follow-up, the proportion of full-responders gradually increased up to 57.5% at 12months, while that of non-responders gradually decreased, reaching 11.5% at 12months. All individual ocular manifestations improved significantly 1-3months after OR. QoL related to visual functioning increased significantly at 6months, whereas QoL related to appearance improved significantly at 12months. The vast majority of our patients with active moderate-to-severe GO exhibited full or partial therapeutic response after OR. The initial effect on the therapeutic response and individual ocular parameters was evident as soon as 1-3months after the procedure. OR also has a beneficial effect on patients' QoL. NCT05775185/07.03.2023, retrospectively registered.