[Iodine uptake and the effect of radioiodine treatment--status after the addition of iodine to salt].
BACKGROUND
Iodine uptake and the effect of radioiodine treatment of nontoxic goiter were investigated after the introduction of iodine to salt.


METHODS
A retrospective study was done of 61 patients (48 women and 13 men with a median age of 56 (range 28-78)) with nontoxic goiter, examined by 24-hour radioiodine uptake. 42 of the patients were treated with radioiodine (median 600 MBq, range 200-600 MBq). The results were compared with those from a study done 10 years ago in the same area.


RESULTS
Iodine uptake decreased significantly, from 40% (range 16-67%) in 1981-1993 to 25% (range 13-62%) in 2001-2003. 38 of the 42 patients were examined, and of these 34 (90%) had benefited from the treatment (53% of the 38 patients showed a complete effect) as estimated by the patient and the physician, based on the patient's original symptoms and the physician's clinical judgement. Four patients developed hypothyroidism, one radiation-induced thyroiditis and three Graves" disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Iodine uptake is significantly lowered after the addition of iodine to salt. Radioiodine therapy of nontoxic goiter will continue to be effective.
Vej-Hansen
Anders
A
Amtssygehuset i Herlev, Endokrinologisk Afdeling J106. roadhansen@dadlnet.dk
Nygaard
Birte
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006042:Goiter / Q000378:metabolism / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D007455:Iodine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary; D007455:Iodine