FW: I-131 TREATMENT AND PREGNANCY

["Barry Siegel" <siegelb@mirlink.wustl.edu>]

The principal reason that a woman should delay becoming pregnant after
undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism with I-131 has nothing to do with
radiation effects on ova or on the fetus.  Rather the delay is prudent to
allow a sufficient period of time to determine that the hyperthyroidism has
been controlled.  If hyperthyroidism persists or recurs (after an initial
apparent improvement) and the patient is pregnant, retreatment with I-131 is
absolutely contraindicated.  Treating hyperthyroidism with drugs during
pregnancy can be difficult and poses hazards for the fetus.  "Healthy mothers
make healthy babies."

Barry A. Siegel, M.D
Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology

_______________________________________________________________________________

From: radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu on 18 Jul 1997 21:26
Subject: Re: I-131 TREATMENT AND PREGNANCY
To: Multiple recipients of list

Dear Radsafers,
Does anyone has an idea what should be the minimum time between
#000#I-131 Thyroid ablation</font><font size=+0> Treatment and pregnancy. The
question refers only to radiation protection of the fetus.

Any information will be welcomed.

Thanks,

Moshe Levita
#000#
Tel-Aviv Medical Center

Israel