Graves’ Disease Update: Diagnostic Biomarkers, Biologics, and Treatment Strategies

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the key immunologic mechanisms of Graves’ disease, including functional antibody activity and receptor signaling involved in thyroid eye disease.

2. Differentiate Graves’ disease from other causes of thyrotoxicosis using a guideline-informed diagnostic approach, including appropriate secondary imaging when nuclear testing is not feasible.

3. Select evidence-based principles for antithyroid drug selection, baseline safety testing, and titration and monitoring, including special considerations in pregnancy.

4. Evaluate major Graves’ disease complications, including urgent recognition and initial stabilization priorities for thyroid storm and evidence-based management principles for thyroid eye disease.

This course reviews the clinical evaluation and management of Graves’ disease. It covers key autoimmune mechanisms, standard testing approaches for confirming etiology, and practical decision points that affect treatment selection. The course also addresses antithyroid drug use and monitoring considerations, definitive treatment options, and major complications that may require urgent recognition and escalation of care. Special considerations discussed include pregnancy-related management and thyroid eye disease.

Clinical practice varies in how Graves’ disease is confirmed, how ongoing management decisions are made over time, and how complications are recognized and addressed. Some clinicians may be unfamiliar with newer testing approaches, emerging therapies, and patient-centered tools that support shared decision-making. This activity is designed to strengthen consistency in evaluation, treatment planning, monitoring, and complication readiness for Graves’ disease across routine and urgent care settings.