Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Graves' Disease

Graves' disease (GD) is one of many autoimmune disorders that can wreak havoc on the human body. Graves' disease is denoted by an overactive thyroid gland, which is often referred to as toxic diffuse goiter. The autoimmune disorder is responsible for abnormal increases in metabolism, weight loss and anxiety. Graves' disease can also cause an increased heart rate and eventual catastrophic illness if left untreated. Radioactive iodine (RAI) is a form of treatment for Graves' disease that some physicians prefer to utilize instead of conventional anti-thyroid medications.

What is Radioactive Iodine?

Radioactive iodine has been used for the treatment of thyroid disease for approximately 40 years, and is usually given in a single dose. RAI is not recognized as having any lasting side effects. Radioactive iodine mimics the iodine that is found in many of the foods that we eat, with just a few differences. Once the RAI enters the body it releases electrons that permanently destroy a predetermined amount of thyroid tissue in order to lower thyroid function.

How Radioactive Iodine Works

Radioactive iodine is manufactured in capsule form and taken by mouth. The RAI is immediately drawn to the thyroid gland where it begins to burn away the thyroid tissue. The thyroid is the only part of the body that makes use of iodine, so it will not invade other areas. Excess amounts of iodine that are not used for the treatment are excreted in the urine. It can take several months for the radioactive iodine to complete the job, and during this time thyroid symptoms may even worsen before showing signs of improvement.

Preparation

Special precautions must be taken to prepare the body for radioactive iodine treatment. The goal of the RAI preparation is to create a scenario where the thyroid soaks up as much of the radioactive iodine as possible during treatment. In order for a patient to prepare for RAI treatment, any thyroid medications need to be stopped for a minimum of four to six weeks prior to treatment. If this is not possible, a medication known as Thyrogen may be given along with the thyroid medication.

After Treatment

For the first 48 hours following RAI treatment, patients should not share drinks, utensils or silverware because some of the RAI may still be present in the saliva of the mouth. Proper hand washing should also be practiced, and close contact with children, spouses and other family members should be avoided.

Warnings

Radioactive iodine has no effect on a woman's ability to become pregnant, nor does it cause any known birth defects. But it is important to note that women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should not receive iodine radiation treatment. Women who have received radioactive iodine therapy should wait a minimum of six to 12 months before conceiving. Otherwise, any radioactive iodine that is remaining in the woman's body can potentially enter the fetus and damage the thyroid.

References

• Diabetes & Hormone Center of the Pacific
• Medifocus Health
• New York Thyroid Center, Department of Surgery

Resources

• MyThyroid.com
• The University of Washington Medical Center, (UW Medicine)