Radioiodine therapy is regularly used in patients with nearly all causes
of hyperthyroidism.
It may safely be given to patients of all age groups but is less often
given to children under 10 years old.
It is completely avoided during pregnancy and while breast-feeding.
There is no increased risk of thyroid cancer, leukaemia or solid tumours.
Administration of radioiodine must conform to regulations and definitions
as stated by ARSAC and POPUMET.
Medical staff authorising therapy must hold an ARSAC licence.
The objective behind radioiodine therapy is to suppress hyperactivity
of the thyroid gland, as soon as possible, until blood tests show normal
levels, and then to maintain these normal levels, or allow no more than
a slightly hypothyroid state in following years.
The amount of treatment depends on the level of overactivity of the patient’s
thyroid gland.
Antithyroid drugs may be given before or after radioiodine (or both) if
necessary.
Full written information should be given to the patient and written consent
obtained.
A structured follow-up should be used ensuring regular measurement of
TSH or FT4.
Close co-operation with the patient’s general practitioner is recommended
throughout the assessment, treatment and follow-up.
Shared care with a computer-based follow-up system is recommended.
Source: The Use of Radioiodine in the Management of Hyperthyroidism prepared
by The Radioiodine Audit Subcommittee of the Royal College of Physicians Committee
on Diabetes and Endocrinology and The Research Unit of the Royal College of
Physicians. Published by the Royal College of Physicians of London, November
1995.