Comparison of Outcome in Radioiodine Induced Euthyroid and Hypothyroid Patients

Abstract

The major consequence of radioiodine therapy for thyrotoxicosis is hypothyroidism and long-term precise management of hypothyroidism may be problematic. In this study, the long-term outcomes were compared in radioiodine treated euthyroid and hypothyroid patients on thyroid hormone treatment. Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty eight patients with diffuse toxic goiter were treated with radioactive iodine. One hundred and seven patients (78%) returned for follow up visits for up to 11.5±0.8 years. Numbers of occurrences of thyroid dysfunction in each patient were recorded and a total cost of management was calculated. Results: At the end, 41 patients (38%) were still euthyroid (group 1) and 66 (62%) became hypothyroid (group 2). Serum, FT4, FT3, TSH, thyroid antibodies, lipid profile, calcium, phosphorus, and PTH were measured and bone mineral density, ECG and echocardiography were performed. There was no significant difference in age, sex, duration of symptoms and thyroid function between the 2 groups. The cost of treatment was lower in group 1 than in group 2. During 11.5 years of follow up, percentage of elevated and suppressed TSH in groups 1 and 2 were 0.02 and 20.5, p