Which topical wound therapy may pose thyroid concerns?

Which topical wound therapy may pose thyroid concerns?

• A. Silver-containing dressings
• B. Iodine-based products
• C. Chlorhexidine
• D. Hydrogel

Answer: (B)

Iodine-based topical therapies can affect thyroid function because the thyroid relies on iodine to make the hormones T4 and T3. When iodine is applied to wounds, some is absorbed into the bloodstream, and a large iodine load can disrupt thyroid hormone production. This can trigger the Wolff-Chaikoff effect, where the thyroid temporarily reduces hormone synthesis, or, in susceptible individuals with autonomous thyroid tissue, can precipitate hyperthyroidism (the Jod-Basedow phenomenon). Because of this, iodine-based products require caution in people with thyroid disease, pregnant patients, and neonates. The other options (silver-containing dressings, chlorhexidine, and hydrogel) don’t typically pose these thyroid concerns.

Iodine-based topical therapies can affect thyroid function because the thyroid relies on iodine to make the hormones T4 and T3. When iodine is applied to wounds, some is absorbed into the bloodstream, and a large iodine load can disrupt thyroid hormone production. This can trigger the Wolff-Chaikoff effect, where the thyroid temporarily reduces hormone synthesis, or, in susceptible individuals with autonomous thyroid tissue, can precipitate hyperthyroidism (the Jod-Basedow phenomenon). Because of this, iodine-based products require caution in people with thyroid disease, pregnant patients, and neonates. The other options (silver-containing dressings, chlorhexidine, and hydrogel) don’t typically pose these thyroid concerns.