Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Comparing the Efficacy of Radioactive Iodine Monotherapy versus Radioactive Iodine Therapy and Adjunctive Lithium for the Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

Background: The objective of this article is to evaluate the outcomes in patients undergoing radioactive iodine (RAI) with adjunctive lithium (Li) therapy versus (vs.) RAI therapy alone for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to analyze clinical trials comparing RAI with adjunctive Li therapy vs. RAI therapy alone for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Results: Six randomized-controlled trials (RCT) involving 755 patients were analyzed. RAI with adjunctive Li was associated with a significantly higher cure rate for hyperthyroidism when compared to RAI alone. Furthermore, a significantly higher cure rate for hyperthyroidism at 12 months was achieved with RAI and adjunctive Li. Adjuvant Li with RAI for <= 7 days showed significantly higher cure rate compared to RAI alone, whereas > 7 days of adjuvant Li with RAI did not show any difference in cure rate compared to RAI alone. RAI with adjunctive Li was associated with a significantly higher cure rate for patients with Graves' disease compared to RAI alone. There was no significant difference between RAI with adjunctive Li and RAI alone for toxic nodular thyroid disorder (toxic nodule and toxic multinodular goiter) and thyroid volume >40 grams and <= 40 grams. Conclusions: RAI with adjunctive Li therapy demonstrated superiority over RAI therapy alone with regards to both curing hyperthyroidism and, reduced time till cure, with a limited side effect profile. A large multicenter RCT is required, and if this confirms the data from these smaller trials, then this could change current practice.