Relationship between iodine levels and papillary thyroid carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#carcinoma-papillary #case-control-studies #dietary-exposure #humans #iodine

Relationship between iodine levels and papillary thyroid carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Lee et al., 2017 | Head Neck | Meta Analysis

Citation

Lee Joon-Hyop, Hwang Yunji, ... Park Sue K. Relationship between iodine levels and papillary thyroid carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Head Neck. 2017-Aug;39(8):1711-1718. doi:10.1002/hed.24797

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Iodine excess has been suggested as an exogenous risk factor of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the relationship between iodine exposure measured in various forms and PTC prevalence. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for case-control studies on iodine and PTC published up to December 2015. Exposure to iodine was compared between PTC and control groups. RESULTS: From the 16 selected studies, the odds ratio (OR) for the overall effect size between high iodine exposure and PTC risk was 1.418 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.054-1.909). Based on 7 studies conducted in high iodinated regions, a positive association between iodine exposure and PTC was observed (OR 2.200; 95% CI 1.389-3.483). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a higher exposure to iodine in patients with PTC compared with controls, especially for patients from high iodinated regions.

Key Findings

From the 16 selected studies, the odds ratio (OR) for the overall effect size between high iodine exposure and PTC risk was 1.418 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.054-1.909). Based on 7 studies conducted in high iodinated regions, a positive association between iodine exposure and PTC was observed (OR 2.200; 95% CI 1.389-3.483).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population ptc compared with controls
Sample Size 7
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Carcinoma, Papillary
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Dietary Exposure
  • Humans
  • Iodine
  • Odds Ratio
  • Sodium Chloride, Dietary
  • Thyroid Cancer, Papillary
  • Thyroid Neoplasms

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: iodine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09