Hemodiálisis a un paciente en tratamiento con yodo radioactivo I-131

Abstract

Iodine-131 is a radioactive isotope used for medical purposes, and is ingested in liquid or capsule form. Its absorption occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, passes into the bloodstream and is finally concentrated in the thyroid gland destroying its cells^1,2. It is a treatment of choice in patients who are affected by thyroid cancer or suffer from hyperthyroidism^1,2,3. In thyroid cancer, very high doses of this radiopharmaceutical are administered (in the order of 100 mCi of activity)^1,2 , for which the patient requires hospital admission and strict radiological protection measures, such as a leaded room, controlled visits, etc^2,4. In the treatment of hyperthyroidism, low doses of radioiodine (approximately 10 mCi of activity) are administered orally in capsules^1,2,3. The maximum uptake in the thyroid gland occurs during the first 48 hours and the elimination of the remaining radioactive activity is through the physical decay of the isotope itself, and through urine, faeces, sweat and saliva. This treatment is administered on an outpatient basis, although the patient must follow a series of radiological protection ^{recommendations} since, due to the incorporation of the radioisotope, it becomes a radiation emitter1,4.