title: [Radioiodine therapy in hyperthyroidism: reliability of a long-term follow-up scheme for the diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism based on the family physician and on a central registry].
abstract: We assessed the reliability of a follow-up scheme for radioiodine-treated patients which involved the general practitioner after the first year, leaving to the center only the operation of a central recall registry and the analysis of mailed blood samples and simple questionnaires. The analysis of 238 patients followed up for 3-6 years showed that the scheme was equal or superior to follow-up rates of published systems in Switzerland which rely on regular recalls of the patients to the center. However, the excellent follow-up rates published with similar systems in Great Britain were not quite achieved and efforts will be needed to diminish the number of patients lost to follow-up. Contrary to the experience of other authors, our laboratory results did not allow us to single out a group of patients with low likelihood of developing hypothyroidism and in whom follow-up examinations could be spaced at longer intervals. Reversing our current practice, we now recommend that hypothyroid patients be left on our registry once they are on replacement therapy with thyroxine. Examination of this patient group has revealed that 27% are undersubstituted, albeit only to a borderline degree in most cases.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000209:etiology; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests
chemical_list: D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes
vernacular_title: Radiojodtherapie bei Hyperthyreose: Zuverlässigkeit eines auf dem Hausarzt und einem zentralen Register basierenden Nachkontrollschemas zur Erfassung und Behandlung der Hypothyreose.