Results of long-term follow-up after compensated fixed-dose therapy for thyrotoxicosis.
To evaluate the effects of simple compensated fixed-dose iodine-131 therapy for thyrotoxicosis, the long-term results for 74 patients treated with a fixed dose of iodine-131 ranging from 5 to 12 mCi (185 to 444 MBq) were evaluated in the first 2 years of a trial. The dose selected was loosely based on the gross size of the thyroid gland. Routine antithyroid drug therapy was given for a minimum of 3 months after iodine-131 therapy. The mean (+/- SD) duration of follow-up was 74.5 +/- 42 months. The results indicated that roughly 25% of patients treated in this way will become hypothyroid after 5 years and that 85% are cured (need no further therapy during the follow-up period) using a single dose of iodine-131. Of those cured using a single iodine-131 dose, 81% were no longer receiving drugs after 6 months and 85% after 1 year. Such a regimen seems currently to be among the best available where prolonged periods of medication-free euthyroidism after therapy are sought.
Zaini
A
A
Department of Medicine, University Hospital, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpar.
Khir
A
A
Doi
S A
SA
Chan
S P
SP
Paramsothy
M
M
Khoo
B H
BH
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015993:Life Tables; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D013971:Thyrotoxicosis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D013997:Time Factors
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes