RAI-131 is another name for a radioactive iodine isotope used to treat certain thyroid diseases and disorders, and is also found as a contaminant in some places due to nuclear testing or catastrophic events (such as at Chernobyl). Because of its radioactive properties and the nature of the treatment it is used for, there can be some negative and positive side effects from using RAI-131 as a thyroid disease treatment as well as through absorption in a contaminated area or from contaminated food.
Iodine and the Thyroid
The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, which helps regulate metabolism, as well as other important tasks in the body. Iodine is used by the thyroid gland in order to make the proper hormones, so too little iodine can cause negative effects on the body. Sometimes, the thyroid gland can become hyperactive, leading to overproduction of thyroid hormones, which can lead to a large number of other dangerous conditions.
Hyperthyroidism
Oral administration of RAI-131 is a relatively common treatment for hyperthyroidism and generally successful with a single dose (greater than 80%). When the thyroid cells absorb the RAI-131 for use in producing thyroid hormones, the associated radioactivity destroys the cells. With a reduced number of active thyroid cells producing thyroid hormone, the hyperactivity of the gland is reduced or eliminated.
Side Effects of Thyroid Treatment
If too much RAI-131 is used, it can lead to hypothyroidism, where not enough thyroid hormones are produced because of the damage and destruction of too many hormone-producing thyroid cells. This can lead to lethargy, obesity (due to a severely retarded metabolic rate) and numerous other minor side effects. Because of the radioactive properties of RAI-131, patients who have recently undergone treatment can set off radiation detectors, such as in airports.
Effects of Accidental Exposure
When absorption of RAI-131 occurs in nature (such as after direct nuclear contamination or consumption of contaminated products, such as beef or milk), effects can be severe. After Chernobyl, there was a very large increase of the incidence of thyroid cancers, much of which has been attributed to the dispersal of RAI-131 after the explosion. Less severely, it can lead to the development of inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis), the symptoms of which tend to mimic those of hypothyroidism.
RAI-131, Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding
In cases where pregnant women have received RAI-131 treatment or exposure, typical effects include a severely damaged fetal thyroid gland, leading to severe hypothyroidism in the child, which can lead to stunted growth, obesity and a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer. RAI-131 often collects in mammalian breast milk. If a woman is breastfeeding at the time of exposure or RAI-131 treatment for hyperthyroidism, the radioactive element can be transferred through the milk to the child, leading to a number of damaging effects on the child, including hypothyroidism, stunted growth and associated symptoms.
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