Abstract ID: 26-556
Management of Thyroid Eye Disease Among Ophthalmology and Endocrinology Consultants in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Author: Albanderi H Base Hospital / Institution: dhahran eye specialist hospital
Presentation Type: ePoster Presentation
Purpose
To evaluate current practice patterns, treatment preferences, and barriers to advanced therapies in the management of thyroid eye disease (TED) among ophthalmology and endocrinology consultants in Saudi Arabia.
Methods
A cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted in 2024 using an adapted version of the internationally validated Brito et al. questionnaire. Invitations were distributed to consultants through national ophthalmology and endocrinology registries. Data on demographics, familiarity with TED scoring systems, therapy availability, and management approaches to standardized scenarios were collected. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.
Results
A total of 45 consultants responded, including oculoplastic surgeons (60.0%), general ophthalmologists (31.1%), and endocrinologists (8.9%). Most were based in tertiary referral centers (57.8%). Nearly all respondents were familiar with the Clinical Activity Score (97.8–100%) and EUGOGO classification (72.2–100%). Corticosteroids were universally available and the most frequently used first-line therapy for moderate-to-severe active TED. Access to biologics was limited: mycophenolate (71.1%), rituximab (66.7%), tocilizumab (62.2%), and teprotumumab (14.8–22.2%). Surgical interventions were widely available, while radiotherapy was restricted (35.6%). Barriers to biologic use included cost (26.7–72.2%), limited availability (27.8–44.4%), lack of familiarity (20–27.8%), and side-effect concerns (17.8%). Preventive strategies, including smoking cessation (100%) and selenium supplementation (76.5–81.5%), were commonly recommended.
Conclusion
TED management in Saudi Arabia remains dominated by corticosteroid use, with restricted access to biologic therapies. Establishing multidisciplinary TED clinics, improving drug availability, and implementing national guidelines aligned with international standards may enhance patient outcomes.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Fatimah | Alhammad | dhahran eye specialist hospital |