TITLE:
Hyperthyroidism Management in Saudi Arabia: Current Practices, Challenges, and Future Directions—A Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Long-Term Care
AUTHORS:
Saud Alsifri, Said Khader, Ali Alzahrani, Mohammed Almehthel, Abdulqawi Almansari, Amani Alhozali, Nasser Aljuhani, Anwar Jammah, Rafeef Farahat, Hussein Elbadawi, Ahmed Elboghdady, Mohamed Abdellatif, Emad R. Issak
KEYWORDS:
Hyperthyroidism, Management, Saudi Arabia, Recommendations
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Clinical Medicine,
Vol.16 No.9,
September
19,
2025
ABSTRACT: In Saudi Arabia, the management of hyperthyroidism is influenced by several factors: genetic, environmental, and the healthcare system. Thus, a tailored approach is mandatory. A region-specific consensus is highly needed because of variations in clinical practice. A multidisciplinary expert team of endocrinologists and internal medicine experts convened to coin a local consensus on the care of hyperthyroidism. The expert meeting assessed current management methods, identified critical challenges, and provided evidence-based recommendations. The current article is the culmination of a consensus that developed through a structured, multi-phase process involving a systematic literature review, a pre-meeting survey, and expert panel discussions to assess the topic comprehensively. A literature review of databases such as PubMed and the Saudi Digital Library, focusing on publications from 2010 to 2024, evaluated the evidence on diagnosis, management, and treatment strategies, with priority given to regional guidelines, randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews. A pre-meeting survey of medical experts revealed current practices, challenges, and unmet requirements, which informed expert discussions. The expert panel analyzed survey results and literature, then held structured discussions concerning illness burden, best practices, and gaps in care. The Delphi approach was employed to develop recommendations that ensured consensus and alignment with global standards, while also addressing region-specific issues. The finalized recommendations will be shared through conferences, seminars, and publications, with ongoing feedback to help develop and update the guidelines.