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Systematic Reviews
Published in: Systematic Reviews 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Protocol

The effects of iodine blocking following nuclear accidents on thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism, and benign thyroid nodules: design of a systematic review

Authors: Steffen Dreger, Manuela Pfinder, Lara Christianson, Stefan K Lhachimi, Hajo Zeeb

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

One of the most efficient radiation protection methods to reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes in case of accidental radioactive iodine release is the administration of potassium iodine (KI). Although KI administration is recommended by WHO’s guidelines for iodine prophylaxis following nuclear accidents and is also widely implemented in most national guidelines, the scientific evidence for the guidelines lacks as the guidelines are mostly based on expert opinions and recommendations. Therefore, this study will provide evidence by systematically reviewing the effects of KI administration in case of accidental radioactive iodine release on thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism, and benign nodules.

Methods

We will apply standard systematic review methodology for the identification of eligible studies, data extraction, assessment of risk of biases, heterogeneity, and data synthesis. The electronic database search will be conducted in MEDLINE (via PubMed) and EMBASE, and covers three search blocks with terms related to the health condition, intervention, and occurrence/location. We have no date or language restrictions, but restrictions to humans only. We will include studies comparing the effects of KI administration on thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism, and benign thyroid nodules in a population exposed to radioactive iodine release. The quality of the studies will be graded. If feasible, a meta-analysis will be conducted.

Discussion

This proposed systematic review will update the existing WHO guideline from 1999. New evidence on the efficacy of KI administration to reduce thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism, and benign thyroid nodules in the event of an accidental release of radioactive iodine to the environment will provide the basis for an update of the WHO guideline for iodine prophylaxis following nuclear accidents.

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Appendix
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Metadata
Title
The effects of iodine blocking following nuclear accidents on thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism, and benign thyroid nodules: design of a systematic review
Authors
Steffen Dreger
Manuela Pfinder
Lara Christianson
Stefan K Lhachimi
Hajo Zeeb
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-015-0106-3

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