Prednisone for Treatment of Subacute Thyroiditis

Abstract

A study of 32 patients indicates that prednisone, cortisone and similar compounds are effective in treatment of subacute (granulomatous) thyroiditis but control only the symptoms and signs of the disease, which is self-limited; the course of the disease is probably not shortened. Patients who also have diabetes mellitus or a history of peptic ulcer probably should be given roentgen therapy, although prednisone may be used temporarily to relieve symptoms.