92 ENDOCRINE GLANDS 



s 



TREATMENT OF EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE 

 AND HYPERTHYROIDISM. 



The proposed medications are numerous. After having 

 described them, we will study their indications. 



I. HYGIENIC AND DIETETIC TREATMENT. 



A quiet life, without any emotions or fatigue, is essential 

 to these cases. Absolute rest in some cases is sufficient to 

 modify the tachycardia and the nervous symptoms. 



The seashore is unadvisable, while the mountains, at a 

 low altitude, are better tolerated. A stay at some mineral 

 spring is a useful adjunct to the treatment. The sedative 

 springs of Bourbon Lancy and of Neris (in France) are the 

 ones which seem to benefit the patients most. 



The food must be carefully watched : all stimulants, all 

 toxic foods are to be avoided. It is advisable 

 to weigh these patients, for a gain in weight is an 

 indication of improvement. 



II. MEDICAL TREATMENT AND ORGANO THERAPY. 



1. Sodium salicylate, in doses of 2 to 3 grams daily 

 for several weeks, improves and cures certain cases of 

 exophthalmic goitre. 



2. Quinine sulphate in doses of 1 to 2 grams daily 

 is given alone or associated with ergot as a vaso 

 motor constrictor. 



3. Anti thyroid medication, based on the theory of 

 hyperthyroidism was first utilized by Ballet and Enriquez. 

 The idea is as follows: neutralize the excess of thyroid 

 secretion by the use of the blood of animals, whose thyroid 

 had been removed. (The preparation usually employed 

 is Hematoethyroidine). 



According to Enriquez, the dose is as follows: 1 tea- 

 spoonful at each meal for one week, the first week; 2 



