Long-Term Results of Treatment of Thyrotoxicosis in Children and Adolescents with Radioactive Iodine

Abstract

From 1941 through 1968 30 patients between the ages of eight and 18 years were treated with radioiodine for thyrotoxicosis. Two patients received 130I, and 28 131I. There were two males and 28 females. The dose of 131I ranged from 2 to a maximal cumulative dose of 32 mCi in two separate doses with an average dose of 6.6 mCi per patient. The mean length of follow-up observation was 9.2 years. Prompt remission of the disease was obtained with a single dose in 25 cases. Permanent hypothyroidism developed in eight patients (26 per cent). Recurrence of thyrotoxicosis associated with benign nodular hyperplasia was observed in only one case 17 years after treatment with 130I. Twelve of the females treated with 131I have given birth to 18 healthy children. One female treated with 130I has an abnormal reproductive history. No deaths and no evidence of cancer or leukemia were seen.