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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 1999; 107: S164-S167
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1212176
B - Risk factors and TAO

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Risk of smoking in thyroid-associated orbitopathy

K. Mann
  • Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Essen, Germany
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 July 2009 (online)

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Summary

Cigarette smoking greatly increases the risk of thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) (odds ratio 7.7, interval 4.3 to 13.7) and the number of cigarettes smoked per day seems to be a significant independent determinant for the incidence of proptosis and diplopia. The own prospective study showed that soft tissue involvement (ATA activity score) and ocular motility could be influenced less by steroid and irradiation treatment in smokers in comparison to nonsmokers. The mechanisms whereby smoking affects eye disease are widely unknown, cytokines (INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-1), receptors and receptor antagonists have probably a crucial role.

Key words

Smoking - thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) - epidemiology - cytokines - treatment

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