Induction of hyperthyroidism in burn patients treated topically with povidone-iodine

Hyperthyroidism was induced in two burn patients (one a 34-year-old male, with burns covering 80 per cent BSA and the other a 22-year-old female with a 45 per cent BSA burn) by topical treatment with povidone-iodine. Both patients had no history of thyroid disease and their post-burn examination revealed normal thyroid glands. In both patients 1 per cent povidone-iodine was applied onto granulation tissue and a marked increase in circulating thyroid hormones occurred. After topical treatment with povidone-iodine was discontinued circulating thyroid hormones returned to normal values within weeks. In the second patient povidone-iodine treatment had to be repeated again resulting in hyperthyroidism which was also readily reversible.