IODIDE PERCHLORATE DISCHARGE TEST IN LITHIUM-TREATED PATIENTS

Abstract

ABSTRACT In patients with lithium-induced goitre the conventional perchlorate discharge test is negative. With a small dose of carrier iodide the perchlorate test is more sensitive. This iodide perchlorate discharge test (IPT) was made on twelve patients, all under lithium-treatment for over one year and on fifteen control subjects. In the first group there was a greater discharge in the test than in the latter group. By increasing the lithium-doses or by stopping them, the discharge by the IPT alters correspondingly. Sensitivity to iodine is increased by lithium-treatment, perhaps because of a greater thyroid/serum ratio for iodide.