Effect of Lugol’s solution on 131 I therapy efficacy in Graves’ disease

Purpose Lugol’s solution could control thyroid function and suppress 131I uptake in hyperthyroidism. This study aimed to investigate the appropriate time to withdraw Lugol’s solution before 131I therapy (RIT) in Graves’ disease (GD) patients, and how this should influence thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb), 131I uptake and RIT outcome.Methods Two groups (125 cases and 1805 cases) of GD patients reveived RIT, who were pre-treated with and without Lugol’s solution (RI-CI group and RI group). The RI-CI group was further divided into the following sub-groups depending on the duration span between Lugol’s solution withdrawal and RIT: sub-roup A, 4-7 d (n = 49); sub-group B, 8-14 d (n = 41); and sub-group C, 15-30 d (n = 35). The highest radioactive iodine uptake rate (RAIUmax), effective half-life (Teff), TRAb, and free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were compared, and therapeutic outcome was evaluated. Results There were no significant differences in RAIUmax, TRAb, and Teff among the four sub-groups (P > 0.05). Both FT3 and FT4 levels in sub-groups A and B were lower than those in group RI and sub-group C (P < 0.05). The outcome of non-hyperthyroidism (euthyroidism + hypothyroidism) in groups RI-CI and RI were significantly different at post-RIT month 1 and 3 (P < 0.05). However, intergroup differences at 6 and 12 months were not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions Withdrawal of Lugol’s solution 4-7 or 8-14 d before RIT does not influence 131I uptake and RIT efficacy in GD. Moreover, in order to avoid a rapid increase in thyroid hormone levels at the same time, Lugol’s solution should be withdrawn 4-7 d before RIT.