Thakator
12-11-2010, 02:09 PM
Having read many of the posts on this site and gleened much in the way of truly helpful information (thank you very much, one and all) I've yet to find any comment regarding hyperthyroidism in the WG world. That leads me to start this post - - to sound an alert that may apply only to a handful of folks who happen to have both or to their friends/family who may be hyperthyroid alone. It is about the potential side effects of using the drug propylthiouracil (PTU).
PTU is an older, somewhat standard, treatment for the hyperthyroid patient. There are newer ones, but PTU is still being prescribed by some Endocrinologists. My alert is simply this; there is a form of vasculitis that is called "PTU-Induced, Positive ANCA Vasculitis". Or it may simply go by PTU-Induced Vasculitis. While it is rarer even than WG itself, it exists. Which means to me that it might be a good idea to check this out with your WG doctor if you happen to be taking PTU for your thyroid condition; if it can induce vasculitis then it may follow that it could well exacerbate the WG part of your life. Another thing along the Weggie road.
PTU is an older, somewhat standard, treatment for the hyperthyroid patient. There are newer ones, but PTU is still being prescribed by some Endocrinologists. My alert is simply this; there is a form of vasculitis that is called "PTU-Induced, Positive ANCA Vasculitis". Or it may simply go by PTU-Induced Vasculitis. While it is rarer even than WG itself, it exists. Which means to me that it might be a good idea to check this out with your WG doctor if you happen to be taking PTU for your thyroid condition; if it can induce vasculitis then it may follow that it could well exacerbate the WG part of your life. Another thing along the Weggie road.