Effect of Childhood Radioiodine Therapy on Salivary Function

Effect of Childhood Radioiodine Therapy on Salivary Function

Radioiodine (I-131) therapy for thyroid disease is known to decrease salivary function in adult patients. The impact of pediatric I-131 exposure on salivary function is unknown. The investigators goals are to answer this question by measuring salivary gland function before and after I-131 administration in children who receive radioiodine therapy at our hospital for thyroid disease.

Radioiodine (I-131) therapy for thyroid disease is known to decrease salivary function in adult patients. The impact of pediatric I-131 exposure on salivary function is unknown. The investigators goals are to answer this question by measuring salivary gland function before and after I-131 administration in children who receive radioiodine therapy at our hospital for thyroid disease. We will use a Modified Shirmer Test to measure saliva production and a questionnaire to evaluation symptoms of xerostomia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have been treated with radioiodine therapy
• Patients who have never received radioiodine therapy (negative control group)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-English speaking subjects will be excluded due to our lack of translation support resources at this time. Of note, participation in our study cannot benefit participants in any way.