Can iodine-131 treat hyperthyroidism? These three questions need to be clear

Hyperthyroidism is a common clinical disease, and most patients with hyperthyroidism require long-term medication to control it. But you know what? In fact, there is another treatment method – “iodine-131 treatment“.

It is reported that the Nuclear Medicine Clinic of Zengcheng Campus of Southern Hospital is about to open. A professional team will be dispatched by the Department of Nuclear Medicine of Southern Hospital to provide high-quality nuclear medicine diagnosis and treatment services. Next, patients with hyperthyroidism, please note that the team will “core” all netizens to talk about how “iodine-131” can effectively treat “hyperthyroidism”.

How does iodine-131 treat “hyperthyroidism”?

Iodine-131 is a radioactive isotope of iodine with a half-life of about 8.04 days. It can be specifically taken up by thyroid tissue. The beta (beta) rays released by iodine-131 can destroy hyperfunctional thyroid tissue, shrink the enlarged thyroid gland, and reduce thyroid function. Hormone synthesis, thereby achieving the purpose of curing “hyperthyroidism”.

Iodine-131 is a mature, safe and effective treatment method for hyperthyroidism. Generally, hyperthyroidism can be well treated by taking the medicine once. Some patients need to take the medicine 2 or more times. The course of treatment is short, there is no allergy, and it will not cause damage to the liver function, kidney function, and hematopoietic system. The recurrence rate of hyperthyroidism after treatment is relatively low. Low; no surgery required, no surgical scars. The cure rate of one course of treatment for hyperthyroidism with iodine-131 is 62.6% to 77.0%, the total effective rate is over 95%, and the recurrence rate after treatment is 1% to 4%.

Who can use iodine-131 treatment?

Iodine-131 can be used to treat Graves’ hyperthyroidism as a first-line treatment for adult hyperthyroidism and as a treatment for patients who are poorly treated with antithyroid drugs. Especially suitable for the following situations:

(1) Those who have adverse reactions to antithyroid drug treatment, have poor efficacy or have relapsed multiple times;

(2) Those with contraindications to surgery or high surgical risks, and those with a history of neck surgery or external radiation;

(3) Long course of disease; elderly patients (especially those with cardiovascular disease);

(4) Patients with leukopenia or thrombocytopenia; atrial fibrillation; liver function damage; and skeletal muscle periodic paralysis.

It should be noted that it is not recommended to use iodine-131 treatment for hyperthyroid patients during pregnancy, lactation, and those with confirmed or clinical suspicion of thyroid cancer.

What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?

Before treatment: (1) Stop taking antithyroid drugs according to the patient’s specific conditions; (2) Eat a low-iodine diet for 2 weeks, avoid eating iodine-rich foods (such as seaweed, kelp, etc.) and health products; avoid using iodine-containing contrast agents and Drugs (such as amiodarone, etc.); (3) Improve relevant examinations. For example, blood routine, liver function, kidney function, electrolytes, thyroid function, β-HCG (female), fasting blood sugar, thyroid iodine absorption rate test and thyroid static imaging, thyroid B-ultrasound, routine electrocardiogram, etc.

After treatment: (1) Quit smoking, prohibit smoking and second-hand smoke; (2) Do a good job in isolation and protection: self-isolate for 1 week, and do not have close contact with pregnant women and infants within 2 weeks; (3) 1 or 3 months after treatment Review every month, and then regularly as directed by your doctor; (4) Contraception should be used within six months after treatment.