This study aimed to determine the effective doses of caregivers taking care of non-cancerous patients treated with iodine-131 (I-131). Patients (administered 185–1110 MBq of I-131) were given specific radiation safety instructions (RSI). Afterwards, caregivers were provided with thermoluminescent (TLD) dosimeter badges to be worn for 12–28 days when taking care of the patients. At the end of this period, TLD measurements were obtained. Results showed that caregivers’ mean effective dose was 0.15 ± 0.15 mSv, which is far less than the international recommendations of 5 mSv. Furthermore, the effective doses had no significant correlation with administered I-131 activity to the patients, distance from the hospital, caregivers’ age, educational level and mode of transport. Our study showed that radiation doses received by caregivers of non-cancerous patients are higher than that of cancerous patients, nevertheless their received doses were within the international limits, thereby indicating good compliance by the caregivers to RSI.
Background: Pretreatment with lithium in thyroid cancer patients before radioiodine therapy (RIT) has been suggested to improve the results of therapy in terms of higher radiation to thyroid tissue and limiting extrathyroid irradiation. Materials and Methods: The beta and gamma radiation to the thyroid gland and lungs in 8 female New Zealand rabbits weighing 2.7 to 3.6 kg were simulated employing GATE Monte Carlo code. The study design was before-after and crossover; rabbits were orally treated with 165 to 288 µCi 131 I with or without pretreatment with 60 mg per day lithium. SPECT/CT imaging was done 20 to 24 hours after RIT providing the distribution and attenuation maps for simulation. The S-values were calculated and compared between the rabbits prepared with and without lithium before RIT by analysis of covariance. Results: For beta radiation, the thyroid to lung S-value ratios (TLR) was 10.5 ± 1.6 with lithium pretreatment and 15.9 ± 12.5 without it. For gamma rays, TLR was 4.8 ± 1.8 vs. 6.7 ± 3.1 in rabbits with and without lithium pretreatment. The values of TLR were higher without lithium pretreatment but statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Lithium demonstrated no improvement in radioiodine uptake in thyroid tissue. Pretreatment of differentiated thyroid cancer patients with lithium before RIT, which is backed by old literature, should be reconsidered.
This review paper aimed to examine radiation safety issues related to relatives as well as caregivers of patients with thyroid diseases treated with radioiodine (I-131). During I-131 therapy for thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism, patients receiving I-131 doses (200-800 MBq) emit radioactive radiations which pose a prospective risk to other people. Critical groups are patients’ visitors and families, especially children. Following the updated international guidelines, the doses received by members of the public as a proportion of the therapy of a patient have been decreased. The public annual dose limits are 1 mSv, although higher doses are permitted for adults in the patient’s family, provided that the maximum 5 mSv is not surpassed for 5 years. Without compliance with the current recommendations, extended hospitalizations for patients are essential. Family members should therefore limit close interactions with an individual for some duration following thyroid therapy with I-131.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.