Statistical Analyses of Radioiodine and Protein-Bound Iodine Test Results on Arkansas Thyroid Patients

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Abstract
Results of tests of thyroid function in Arkansas patients have been analyzed with the aid of a digital computer. Included in the series were 467 patients unaffected by prior medication. Tests included early clearance rate (k1) of I131, 24-hr accumulation of I131 and protein-bound iodine. The effects of thyroidal status, the presence or absence of goiter or cardiac disease, and the patient's age, sex and menstrual status have been examined, enabling statistical diagnostic limits to be set for each test for the different categories of patients. Precise diagnosis can be achieved with an early I131 clearance test, combined with PBI and triiodothyronine suppression in some cases. About 1.6 tests per patient, in those unaffected by medication, should allow only minimal diagnostic errors. The uptake rates for euthyroid subjects in Arkansas are about ⅓ the values found in Australia. Hyperthyroid patients have about the same range in both places.