Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of (131)I therapy on hyperthyroidism in adolescents, middle-aged people, and the elderly.
Methods: 940 patients with hyperthyroidism, 106 aged < 25 (Group A, group of young people), 768 aged 25 - 60 (Group B, middle-aged group), and 66 aged > 60 (Group C, group of the elderly), underwent (131)I therapy and were followed up for 2 years to evaluate the efficacy and safety.
Results: Forty-six patients in group A (43.4%) became euthyroid, 34(32.1%) turned better, 24 (22.6%) suffered from hypothyroidism, and 2 (1.9%) remained un-changed, with a general effective rate of 98.11% (104/106). 346 patients (45.1%) in Group B became euthyroid, 260 (33.9%) turned better, 140 (18.2%) suffered from hypothyroidism, and 22 (2.9%) remained un-changed, with a general effective rate of 97.14% (746/768). And 28 patients (42.4%)in Group C became euthyroid, 24 (36.4%) turned better, 10 (15.15%) suffered from hypothyroidism, and 4 (6.1%) remained unchanged, with a general effective rate of 93.93% (62/66). There were not significant differences in the recovery rate, improvement rate, hypothyroidism rat, and ineffective rate among the 3 groups (all P > 0.05).
Conclusion: There are no significant differences in the efficacy and safety of (131)I therapy in hyperthyroidism on the patients of different ages, including adolescent, adult and elder persons. (131)I therapy is safe and effective for adolescents.