Updates of Radioiodine Treatment for Graves' Disease

ABSTRACT

Radioiodine (RAI) has been used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism and is usually administered orally as sodium iodide (I-131) in solution or a capsule. However, this results in RAI being rapidly incorporated into the thyroid cells, and extensive local tissue damage occurring via beta emissions of I-131. The incidence rate of hypothyroidism is 5–50% at the first year after RAI therapy and is positively associated with the dosage of RAI. RAI has been used since 1960 in Korea; however, there have been few well-designed prospective trials, leaving many questions about indications, optimal dose, efficacy, and side-effects. This review summarizes the latest research pertaining to clinical questions about indications, optimal dose, efficacy, and side-effects.