Does radioactive iodine therapy improve quality of life in Graves’ disease?
In this study, quality of life scores were worse in patients with Graves’ disease treated with radioactive iodine therapy compared to antithyroid drugs or surgery at 6-10 years after treatment.
What can I expect to live after radioactive iodine treatment?
You can expect to live a fairly normal life after radioactive iodine treatment but your life will probably not be exactly as it was before your procedure. For most people, this means that you can expect to live at 80-90% of your 'normal'.
What are the treatment options for Graves disease?
Graves’ disease is usually treated with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery. Previous studies have reported that general-health quality of life among patients treated with three treatment methods as similar, but they were limited by a smaller number of participants or a shorter duration of follow up.
Do you have Graves’ disease and have a thyroidectomy?
You have Graves’ disease and had Radioactive Iodine (RAI) or a Thyroidectomy. Now What? Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
How long does it take to feel better after radioactive iodine?
In almost all cases, your thyroid hormone levels will return to normal or below normal after radioactive iodine treatment. This may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer.
What can you not do after radioactive iodine treatment?
Do not share cups, glasses, plates or eating utensils. Wash items promptly after using. Other people may use items after they are washed. Do not share towels or washcloths.
Can you get Graves disease again after radioactive iodine treatment?
Early recurrences are reported in 20–54% of cases within 3–6 months, which can be due to inadequate RAI treatment or early Marine Lenhart syndrome. True recurrence is relapse after an extended period of time following attainment of hypothyroidism.
What is the main drawback of radioactive iodine in treatment of Graves disease?
While it is generally safe to give RAI, patients may experience some side effects of therapy. The risk of eventual hypothyroidism is high, especially after treatment of GD. There can be transient exacerbation of hyperthyroid symptoms due to radiation thyroiditis.
Will I gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment?
Treatment of hyperthyroidism with RAI or anti-thyroid medications is associated with an increased risk of gaining weight and even developing obesity. This risk is slightly higher with RAI therapy compared to medications.
What is the most common complication of radioiodine therapy?
The most common adverse reaction to medical therapy was a rash in 8 patients, followed by neutropaenia (neutrophils < 1.0 × 109/L) in 6 patients. LFT derangement was reported in 3 patients taking PTU and 1 patient taking carbimazole.
How long does it take for Graves disease to go into remission?
In approximately 40 to 50 percent of cases, anti-thyroid medication leads to remission of Graves' disease after the medication is taken daily for 12 to 18 months. If testing shows thyroid activity has returned to normal levels after that, the medication can be discontinued.
How often does Graves disease relapse?
In this case, the drugs can usually be discontinued after 12-18 months of treatment. However, in approximately half of the patients, Graves' disease relapses after the initial ATD treatment, requiring a second ATD course or different treatments for control of the hyperthyroidism.
Will I have Graves disease forever?
Graves' disease is a lifelong condition. However, treatments can keep the thyroid gland in check. Medical care may even make the disease temporarily go away (remission): Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers, such as propranolol and metoprolol, are often the first line of treatment.
What are the long-term side effects of radioactive iodine?
NCI study finds long-term increased risk of cancer death following common treatment for hyperthyroidism. New study findings show an association between the dose of a common treatment for hyperthyroidism and risk of death from solid cancers.
How successful is radioactive iodine treatment?
Conclusion: Radioactive iodine treatment is an effective modality for definitive treatment of hyperthyroidism with long-term cure approaching 80%.
Can thyroid still function after radioactive iodine treatment?
Some patients will still require treatment with antithyroid medication for some weeks or months until the radioactive iodine has been effective and the overactivity has settled. Over two-thirds of those who have radioactive iodine treatment will develop hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid).