Correlation among ocular surface disease, xerostomia, and nasal symptoms in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma subjected to radioiodine therapy: A prospective comparative study

Abstract

Background: Some complications of radioiodine therapy have been reported, but the involvement of the eyes and adnexa is rarely discussed. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation among ocular surface changes, xerostomia, and changes in the nasal mucosa associated with radioiodine therapy.

Methods: Patients subjected to radioiodine therapy (group 1) or not subjected (group 2) were prospectively evaluated by examinations of the ocular surface and tear film, saliva production, and nasal endoscopy. Ocular and nasal symptoms and xerostomia were evaluated using questionnaires.

Results: Evaluation of the ocular surface did not indicate significant differences between the groups. Nasal endoscopy revealed higher mucosal pallor in group 1 and worsening of the endoscopic appearance. Worsening of ocular symptoms and nasal symptoms, xerostomia, and a significant decrease in salivary production was also observed in group 1.

Conclusion: Subjective worsening of xerostomia, xerophthalmia, nasal symptoms, and changes in the nasal mucosa in group 1 was observed.

Keywords: diseases of the lacrimal system; drug-related side effects and adverse reactions; iodine radioisotopes; neoplasms of the thyroid gland/radiotherapy; radiation effects.