Pattern of Short-Term Adverse Effects in Patients Undergoing Low-Dose Radioactive Iodine Therapy

May 2021 in “ Thyroid Research and Practice ”

Ancy George, Y. Annapurna, P. Harilal, Anila Kumari Vatakke Purayil

radioactive iodine therapy RAIT hyperthyroidism thyroid cancer hair loss xerostomia loss of taste loss of smell platelet count lymphocytes

TLDR Short-term side effects of low-dose radioactive iodine therapy are common but temporary.

The study investigated the short-term adverse effects of low-dose radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT) in 53 patients with hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer, with 72% being female. Adverse reactions were reported by 74% of participants, including loss of taste and smell (39%), xerostomia (32%), and hair loss (26%), which subsided after 1 month. Hair loss was more prevalent in female participants, showing a statistically significant association. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in platelet count and lymphocytes post-RAIT, though without clinically significant symptoms. The study concluded that while these adverse effects are self-limiting, identifying and managing them is crucial for improved treatment and patient compliance.

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Pattern of Short-Term Adverse Effects in Patients Undergoing Low-Dose Radioactive Iodine Therapy

Research cited in this study

research Diffuse Scalp Hair Loss Due to Levothyroxine Overdose

research A Descriptive Study of Alopecia Patterns and Their Relation to Thyroid Dysfunction

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