Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Pediatric Graves' Hyperthyroidism

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the remission rate and factors influencing radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy in pediatric patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism (GH) who received treatment for the first time. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study analyzed a total of 44 pediatric patients with GH who received their first RAI therapy in the nuclear treatment ward of Linyi People's Hospital from December 2018 to December 2023. Follow-up was conducted for 6 months after treatment, and based on treatment outcomes, the patients were divided into the remission group and the failure group. SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used to compare and analyze the predictive factors between the 2 groups. RESULTS The total remission rate of GH at 6 months after RAI therapy was 52.3% (23/44). There were significant differences between the remission group and the failure group in terms of duration of GH, thyroid weight, and RAI dose. Logistic regression analysis indicated that duration of GH and thyroid weight were the factors influencing remission of RAI therapy. Patients with a duration of GH more than 27 months and a thyroid weight greater than 50.17g were less likely to be cured. CONCLUSIONS The disease duration and thyroid weight influenced the RAI therapy outcome in pediatric patients with GH. Higher doses of RAI should be administered to patients with a disease duration exceeding 27 months or thyroid weight surpassing 50.17 g.