Hyperthyroidism
Vincenzo Berghella in Maternal-Fetal Evidence Based Guidelines, 2022
PTU, SSKI, dexamethasone, and propranolol should be given as shown in Table 7.1 [32]. The saturated solution of potassium iodide and sodium iodide block the release of thyroid hormone from the gland. Dexamethasone decreases thyroid hormone release and peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. Propranolol inhibits the adrenergic effects of excessive thyroid hormone. Supportive measures include IV fluids with glucose, acetaminophen (as antipyretic), and oxygen, as needed. Fetal monitoring and maternal cardiac monitoring are recommended [24]. Delivery in the presence of a thyroid storm should be avoided if possible, with maternal treatment leading to in utero fetal resuscitation. The underlying cause, for example, infection, should be treated.
Radiation Toxicity
Frank A. Barile in Barile’s Clinical Toxicology, 2019
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided guidance documents and regulations in the event of a terrorist nuclear attack (FDA, 2018(a)). A national emergency response plan would be activated and would include federal, state, and local agencies. In general, individuals can reduce the potential exposure and subsequent health consequences by limiting the time, increasing the distance, or keeping a physical barrier between them and the source. In addition, the FDA has determined that administration of potassium iodide (KI) is a safe and effective means of blocking uptake of radioiodines by the thyroid gland in a radiation emergency under certain specified conditions of use (U.S. FDA, 2018(b)).*
Iodine is needed to maintain health
Tatsuo Kaiho in Iodine Made Simple, 2017
Prior to the accident at the nuclear power plant, stable iodine was prescribed for the treatment of goiter associated with hyperthyroidism, sputum expectoration associated with chronic bronchitis and asthma, and tertiary syphilis. However, due to additions in efficacy and effect, oral administration of potassium iodide at the dosage, shown in the upper right-hand table, is now possible, in order to prevent or alleviate internal exposure of radioactive iodine to the thyroid [48b,c]. However, as of 2015, the only potassium iodide being sold domestically is the potassium iodine 50 mg pill from Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical Company, Japan.
Proteases, protease inhibitors and radiation carcinogenesis
Published in International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2023
There is evidence that another potential anticarcinogenic agent, potassium iodide, leads to reduced cancer levels in people exposed to radiation when administered at long time periods after the radiation exposure (Cardis et al. 2005). At time periods of several months to years after the Chernobyl accident, dietary supplements containing potassium iodide (in the form of dietary supplements [as antistrumin, multivitamins containing iodine and iodized salt]) were given to children who were evacuated from the exposed areas. This treatment reduced the risk of thyroid cancer, thought to be due to exposure to I131, in these children by a factor of approximately 3 (Cardis et al. 2005). It is expected that potassium iodide can prevent the development of thyroid cancer by inhibiting the uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid, but since the half-life of I131 is only 8 days, it would not be present in the atmosphere at several months to years after the Chernobyl accident. Thus, it has been concluded that potassium iodide acted as a cancer preventive agent in these children by a mechanism unrelated to an effect on the uptake on radioactive iodine by the thyroid (Kennedy and Wan 2011).
Novel pharmacotherapy for burn wounds: what are the advancements
Published in Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 2019
Light is attractive as an antimicrobial approach to treat burn infections that tend to be superficial in nature and to not respond to antibiotics due to resistance of poorly perfused tissue. Due to its broad target specificity light cannot cause resistance to develop against itself [163]. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy uses the combination of topically applied photosensitizing dyes excited by visible light to generate ROS and kill microbial cells [150]. The addition of common non-toxic salts such as potassium iodide can dramatically potentiate the microbial killing [164]. Blue light alone (without the addition of any photosensitizer) can also kill bacteria and fungi and has been used to treat infected burns [165]. Ultraviolet C light (200–280 nm) is highly antimicrobial and although it can cause damage to mammalian cells, the damage is rapidly repaired by DNA repair systems. UVC can be used to treat superficial burn infections [166,167].
Radiobiological and social considerations following a radiological terrorist attack; mechanisms, detection and mitigation: review of new research developments
Published in International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2022
Tanya Kugathasan, Carmel Mothersill
Another type of agent given after the event of radiological exposure is mitigators. These are agents which can protect against some of the harmful effects by preventing or limiting the likelihood of adverse biological outcomes. An ideal mitigator would be orally ingested or a skin patch (Moulder 2014). However, radiation skin injuries make it quite problematic for the utilization of skin patches. It is important that the drugs used should have efficacy in multiple organ systems so that multiple drugs are not needed for different organ injuries (Moulder 2014). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) were developed as hypertensive agents, however have found efficacy against a range of cardiac and renal diseases. Radioactive Iodine mostly raises concern due to the damage to the thyroid gland resulting in cancer or hyperthyroidism. This is commonly treated with the uptake of Sodium Iodide (NaI) or Potassium Iodide (KI). Iodine uptakes allow for a saturable process in the thyroid, hence preventing radioactive iodine from entering the thyroid (Anderson and Bokor 2013). The amount of dosage of KI depends on the age of the individual and the amount of natural iodine in the soil and hence the diet of exposed individuals. Infants between the ages of 1–3 have a dose intake of 32 mg, whereas adults have a dose intake of 130 mg (Anderson and Bokor 2013). It is still important to note however that KI does not protect against other internal radioisotopes or external radiation.
Related Knowledge Centers
- Chemical Compound
- Dietary Supplement
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- Phycomycosis
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