What features of Graves' disease are more prevalent in Blacks than in Whites, specifically regarding hyperpigmentation (increased skin pigmentation)?

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From the Research

Features of Graves' Disease in Blacks vs Whites

  • Hyperpigmentation is more prevalent in Black patients with Graves' disease compared to non-Black patients, with a reported incidence of 38% in Black patients and 0% in non-Black patients 1
  • Serum thyroxine levels were found to be higher in Black patients with Graves' disease compared to non-Black patients, which may contribute to the increased incidence of hyperpigmentation in this population 1
  • The exact mechanisms underlying the increased prevalence of hyperpigmentation in Black patients with Graves' disease are not fully understood, but may involve elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and anti-TSH receptor stimulating antibody levels 2, 1

Clinical Presentations of Graves' Disease

  • Graves' disease can present with a range of clinical manifestations, including hyperthyroidism, goiter, ophthalmopathy, and dermopathy 3, 4, 5
  • Atypical symptoms and presentations, such as apathetic thyrotoxicosis, can occur and may delay diagnosis 3, 5
  • The diagnosis of Graves' disease is typically confirmed by laboratory tests, including thyroid function tests and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor autoantibody levels 4, 5

References

1
Research

Hyperpigmentation in Graves' disease.

Thyroidology, 1989

5
Research

Everything you wanted to know about Graves' disease.

American journal of surgery, 1992

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