Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Radioactive iodine (RAI) has been used for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis for over 80 years. In the United Kingdom (UK), over 50% of adults own a pet. Therefore, the number of patients requiring information about RAI exposure risk to animals is likely to be significant and warrants research. Patients report receiving inadequate/conflicting information from internet searches and consultations regarding this issue. This study aimed to assess the information provided in patient information leaflets about RAI treatment for thyrotoxicosis regarding precautions around pets.

Methods: A convenience sample of patient information leaflets concerning the use of RAI for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis was obtained from an internet search using the search term ‘radioactive iodine treatment patient information’ followed by each National Health Service Trust name. Leaflets were examined for information regarding precautions around pets.

Results: Thirty-five leaflets were found representing thirty-three RAI treatment centres and two national bodies in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales). Only ten (28.6%) leaflets mentioned pets in the text. Six of these leaflets (17.1%) mentioned that patients could have usual contact with pets after receiving RAI, one leaflet (2.9%) mentioned for further discussion, while the other three leaflets (8.6%) mentioned that precautions were required. The precautions mentioned in these three leaflets included avoiding close contact with pets, such as avoiding pets sitting on laps, and washing hands before preparing food for pets for the first few days after receiving a dose of RAI.

Discussion: This study demonstrated that less than a third of published patient information leaflets regarding RAI treatment for thyrotoxicosis mention precautions for pets. Those that do mention pets provide conflicting advice. Clear and consistent information concerning RAI precautions around pets is required to alleviate patient concern and aid informed choice regarding definitive treatment for thyrotoxicosis.