The need for the GREAT+ score to predict relapse in Graves’ disease: a questionnaire among patients and internal medicine specialists

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Graves’ disease (GD) is an auto-immune cause of hyperthyroidism. First-line treatment often consists of a 12–18 month course of antithyroid drugs (ATD). After discontinuation of ATD, GD relapses in approximately 50% of patients. The ‘Graves recurrent event after therapy+ ’ (GREAT+) score may predict individual relapse chances after ATD discontinuation more accurately based on clinical and laboratory parameters at diagnosis. We investigated the need for the GREAT+ score through an online questionnaire among GD patients and physicians treating GD. Methods An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed to patients and physicians between June 2022 and August 2023. Results The questionnaire was completed by 532 patients and 44 physicians. Results showed that 94% of patients were interested in knowing their GREAT+ score at the start of treatment. 55% would consider definite treatment (radioiodine/thyroidectomy) as first-line treatment in case of a high relapse chance. 98% of the physicians indicated the GREAT + score would support patient counseling. 84% may change their advice for first-line treatment if a patient has a high relapse chance based on the score. Conclusion Patients and physicians considered the GREAT+ score as a valuable addition to the current available information which could change treatment decisions. Therefore, external validation of the GREAT+ score is justified to implement this score in clinical practice.