Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Radioiodine is used as a method of treating hyperthyroidism secondary to Grave’s disease and toxic goitres. Radioiodine therapy most often results in patients becoming hypothyroid, however a small percentage of patients (around 10–20%) require repeated doses to treat persistent hyperthyroidism.

Aim: The aim of this audit was to determine the outcome of patients who received radioiodine for hyperthyroidism over 5 years period.

Method: This was a retrospective audit looking at patients who received radioiodine for hyperthyroidism at Wrexham Maelor hospital, from January 2007 to December 2011. The total number of patients was 118. Information collected included: age, gender, diagnosis, dose of radioiodine, length of time to becoming hypothyroid, and rates of relapse following treatment.

Results: The majority of patients (68%) became hypothyroid with the average length of time taking 6 months (48%). This is in fitting with the general expected outcome of radioiodine therapy. The dose of radioiodine fell on average between 540 and 590 which is also in fitting with what is expected by the Royal College of Physicians. Unfortunately, our data collection determined 9% of the total number patients who received the treatment were lost to follow up for reasons including moving to a different area and having their follow up conducted in a different trust. In addition, 13% of patients had no documented diagnosis prior to treatment.

Conclusion: We conclude that the service offered in our hospital falls well within the remit specified by the Royal College of Physicians. Guidelines recommend regular review of thyroid function tests in patients who have undergone radioiodine treatment and therefore we recommend the need to ensure adequate follow is conducted, particularly in view of patients being lost to follow up. In addition, improved record keeping is needed with regards to documentation of diagnosis and a designated follow up clinician.