Failure of Radioactive Iodine in the Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

Background Persistent or recurrent hyperthyroidism after treatment with radioactive iodine (RAI) is common and many patiedlxnts require either additional doses or surgery before they are cured. The purpose of this study was to identify patterns and predictors of failure of RAI in patients with hyperthyroidism. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients treated with RAI from 2007 to 2010. Failure of RAI was defined as receipt of additional dose(s) and/or total thyroidectomy. Using a Cox proportional hazards model, we conducted univariate analysis to identify factors associated with failure of RAI. A final multivariate model was then constructed with significant ( p