[Randomized controlled trial of hydrochlorothiazide in augmenting the dose of 131I absorbed by thyroid remnant]

Based on the rationale that the ablation of thyroid remnant can effectively reduce the risk for recurrence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) and hence decrease the case fatality rate. This randomized controlled trial was designed to assess the value of hydrochlorothiazide in the ablation of thyroid remnant with 131I.

Thirty consecutive DTC patients with thyroid remnant after thyroid surgery were divided into two groups by randomization, the hydrochlorothiazide group received hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg tid for 4 days, the control group received placebo. Responses to treatment were evaluated by the increment of thyroid 131I uptake rate at 24 h and the augmentation of 131I absorbed dose.

In the hydrochlorothiazide group, the 24 h 131I uptake rate was about (1.36+/-0.58) times larger than that before treatment, the absorbed dose was about (1.35+/-0.54) times larger than that before treatment. And in comparison with the control group, the 24 h 131I uptake rate of the hydrochlorothiazide group was significantly increased and the 131I absorbed dose was significantly augmented.

Hydrochlorothiazide is effective for increasing 24 h 131I uptake rate and augmenting 131I absorbed dose of thyroid remnant.