Relationship Between Systemic Inflammation, Thyroid Autoimmunity, and Neuroretinal Structures in Graves Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the relationship between systemic inflammation, thyroid autoimmunity markers, and neuroretinal structures in people with Graves disease. This observational study reviews medical records from patients diagnosed with Graves disease and healthy individuals who were examined at Elazığ Fethi Sekin City Hospital between August 2018 and January 2026. The study aims to compare eye structures among healthy controls, Graves disease patients without eye involvement, and those with Graves ophthalmopathy while exploring potential links between inflammation, autoimmunity, and retinal changes. Participants include three groups: healthy individuals without thyroid or autoimmune diseases, Graves disease patients without ophthalmopathy, and Graves disease patients with ophthalmopathy. All participants underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure macular thickness and the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer near the optic nerve. Laboratory blood tests measuring inflammatory markers, thyroid function, and thyroid autoantibodies were collected and analyzed within 10 days of the OCT exams. During the study, researchers retrospectively evaluate OCT scans and laboratory data to assess differences in neuroretinal parameters. They also review blood tests including complete blood count-derived inflammatory indices and C-reactive protein. The primary outcomes focus on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and macular thickness measured by OCT. This study helps understand how systemic inflammation and thyroid autoimmunity may affect eye structures in Graves disease. Participation involves no new treatments, only review of existing medical records and tests.

Systemic Inflammation, Thyroid Autoimmunity and Neuroretinal Changes in Graves Disease