A dosing algorithm for individualized radioiodine treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism

Abstract Background Radioiodine (131I) is the treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism in cats, but current 131I‐dosing protocols can induce iatrogenic hypothyroidism and expose azotemia. Objectives To develop a cat‐specific algorithm to calculate the lowest 131I dose to resolve hyperthyroidism, whil...

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Main Authors: Mark E. Peterson, Mark Rishniw
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2021-09-01
Series:Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16228
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author Mark E. Peterson
Mark Rishniw
author_facet Mark E. Peterson
Mark Rishniw
author_sort Mark E. Peterson
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Radioiodine (131I) is the treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism in cats, but current 131I‐dosing protocols can induce iatrogenic hypothyroidism and expose azotemia. Objectives To develop a cat‐specific algorithm to calculate the lowest 131I dose to resolve hyperthyroidism, while minimizing risk of iatrogenic hypothyroidism and subsequent azotemia. Animals One thousand and four hundred hyperthyroid cats treated with 131I. Methods Prospective case series (before‐and‐after study). All cats had serum concentrations of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) measured (off methimazole ≥1 week). Using thyroid scintigraphy, each cat's thyroid volume and percent uptake of 99mTc‐pertechnatate (TcTU) were determined. An initial 131I dose was calculated by averaging dose scores for T4/T3 concentrations, thyroid volume, and TcTU; 80% of that composite dose was administered. Twenty‐four hours later, percent 131I uptake was measured, and additional 131I administered, as needed, to deliver an adequate radiation dose to the thyroid tumor(s). Serum concentrations of T4, TSH, and creatinine were determined 6 to 12 months later. Results The median calculated 131I dose was 1.9 mCi (range, 1.0‐10.6 mCi); 1380 cats required additional 131I administration on day 2. Of the cats, 1047 (74.8%) became euthyroid, 57 (4.1%) became overtly hypothyroid, 240 (17.1%) became subclinically hypothyroid, and 56 (4%) remained hyperthyroid. More overtly (71.9%) and subclinically (39.6%) hypothyroid cats developed azotemia than euthyroid cats (14.2%; P < .0001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Our algorithm for calculating individual 131I doses resulted in cure rates similar to historical treatment rates, despite much lower 131I doses. This algorithm appears to lower prevalence of both 131I‐induced overt hypothyroidism and azotemia.
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spelling doaj.art-28ac27ff59674ca78865d68081ab81a32022-12-21T23:28:32ZengWileyJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine0891-66401939-16762021-09-013552140215110.1111/jvim.16228A dosing algorithm for individualized radioiodine treatment of cats with hyperthyroidismMark E. Peterson0Mark Rishniw1Animal Endocrine Clinic New York New York USACollege of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca New York USAAbstract Background Radioiodine (131I) is the treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism in cats, but current 131I‐dosing protocols can induce iatrogenic hypothyroidism and expose azotemia. Objectives To develop a cat‐specific algorithm to calculate the lowest 131I dose to resolve hyperthyroidism, while minimizing risk of iatrogenic hypothyroidism and subsequent azotemia. Animals One thousand and four hundred hyperthyroid cats treated with 131I. Methods Prospective case series (before‐and‐after study). All cats had serum concentrations of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) measured (off methimazole ≥1 week). Using thyroid scintigraphy, each cat's thyroid volume and percent uptake of 99mTc‐pertechnatate (TcTU) were determined. An initial 131I dose was calculated by averaging dose scores for T4/T3 concentrations, thyroid volume, and TcTU; 80% of that composite dose was administered. Twenty‐four hours later, percent 131I uptake was measured, and additional 131I administered, as needed, to deliver an adequate radiation dose to the thyroid tumor(s). Serum concentrations of T4, TSH, and creatinine were determined 6 to 12 months later. Results The median calculated 131I dose was 1.9 mCi (range, 1.0‐10.6 mCi); 1380 cats required additional 131I administration on day 2. Of the cats, 1047 (74.8%) became euthyroid, 57 (4.1%) became overtly hypothyroid, 240 (17.1%) became subclinically hypothyroid, and 56 (4%) remained hyperthyroid. More overtly (71.9%) and subclinically (39.6%) hypothyroid cats developed azotemia than euthyroid cats (14.2%; P < .0001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Our algorithm for calculating individual 131I doses resulted in cure rates similar to historical treatment rates, despite much lower 131I doses. This algorithm appears to lower prevalence of both 131I‐induced overt hypothyroidism and azotemia.https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16228131Ifelinehypothyroidismradioactive iodinescintigraphythyroid gland
spellingShingle Mark E. Peterson
Mark Rishniw
A dosing algorithm for individualized radioiodine treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
131I
feline
hypothyroidism
radioactive iodine
scintigraphy
thyroid gland
title A dosing algorithm for individualized radioiodine treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism
title_full A dosing algorithm for individualized radioiodine treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism
title_fullStr A dosing algorithm for individualized radioiodine treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism
title_full_unstemmed A dosing algorithm for individualized radioiodine treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism
title_short A dosing algorithm for individualized radioiodine treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism
title_sort dosing algorithm for individualized radioiodine treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism
topic 131I
feline
hypothyroidism
radioactive iodine
scintigraphy
thyroid gland
url https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16228
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