Objective: To analyse predictive factors to ensure the efficacy of iodine-131 (131I) therapy on Graves' disease (GD).
Subjects and methods: Graves' disease patients from three tertiary medical centers were enrolled. Serological data, thyroid mass estimation, thyroid radioactive iodine uptake, thyroid texture and thyroid murmurs (bruits) were recorded. Iodine-131 treatment was performed by applying a formulated calculation method. After one year of follow-up, GD patients with euthyroidism and hypothyroidism were classified as the cured group, and the other thyroid function status refers to the uncured group. These analyses were performed by using SPSS17.0 software. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 970 GD patients, of which 540 patients (55.7%) belonged to the cured group, and 430 patients (44.3%) belonged to the uncured group, participated in the current analyses. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Moreover, estimated thyroid mass, thyroid murmurs (bruits), prescribed 131I dosage, FT3 and FT4 have independent prognostic value for 131I efficacy, and their odds ratios are 1.368, 2.283, 1.326, 1.467 and 1.419, respectively.
Conclusion: Graves' disease patients who are undergoing 131I therapy using the formulated dosage calculation could be influenced by thyroid mass, thyroid murmurs, 131I dosage and thyroid function.