Hypothyroidism and its associated factors after radioactive iodine therapy among patients with hyperthyroidism in the Northeast Coast State of Malaysia

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of hypothyroidism and its associated factors within one-year post radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among patients with hyperthyroidism who received RAI therapy at Nuclear Medicine Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan. Data regarding patients' demographics, gender, aetiology of hyperthyroidism, presence of autoantibodies, dose of RAI used and usage of antithyroid drug post RAI therapy were included in the analysis.

Results: Of a total of 167 screened patients, 137 subjects were eligible for this study. The incidence of hypothyroidism within one year of RAI therapy was 32.9%. Women were found to be less likely to develop hypothyroidism post RAI therapy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.406; 95% confidence interval: 0.181-0.908; p = 0.028). The usage of antithyroid drug post RAI was significantly associated with a lower incidence of hypothyroidism post RAI therapy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.188; 95% confidence interval: 0.081-0.438; p<0.001).

Conclusion: This study showed a high incidence of hypothyroidism within one-year post RAI therapy. Gender and usage of antithyroid drug post RAI therapy are significantly associated with the development of hypothyroidism.