Selenium in the treatment of mild-to-moderate Graves’ orbitopathy: a 5-year prospective controlled cohort study

Purpose Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is the main extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves’ disease. However, limited studies have investigated the actual efficacy of selenium in GO therapy. This longitudinal study explored the effect of selenium on QOL and prognosis of patients with mild-to-moderate GO. Methods We conducted a 5-year prospective controlled cohort clinical trial to determine the effect of selenium on 74 patients with mild-to-moderate GO. Patients received selenium yeast or placebo orally for 6 months and were followed up at 6 months and at 5 years by biochemical examination, ophthalmologist evaluation and QOL questionnaire to assess oculopathy and QOL. Results (1) During a follow-up period of 3–6 months, in the selenium group, the symptoms of tearing, grittiness and conjunctival congestion improved ( P