Perchlorates in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis: a comprehensive review

Lisco et al., 2024 | Endocrine | Systematic Review

Citation

Lisco Giuseppe, Accardo Giacomo, ... Triggiani Vincenzo. Perchlorates in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis: a comprehensive review. Endocrine. 2024-Jul;85(1):1-10. doi:10.1007/s12020-023-03679-y

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Perchlorates are ionic inhibitors antagonizing iodine transport into thyrocytes, hampering thyroid hormone synthesis. Nevertheless, perchlorates are not considered as first-line treatment in hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis as compared to other pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. AIM: Reassessing the therapeutic role of perchlorates in hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis throughout a systematic review of the Literature. METHODS: Guidelines were searched and examined to summarize current recommendations on the use of perchlorates in the management of hyperthyroidism. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials were also searched and reviewed to summarize the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of perchlorates in hyperthyroidisms and thyrotoxicosis. RESULTS: The management of specific forms of hyperthyroidism was considered, including Graves' disease (GD) in non-pregnant adults, hyperthyroidisms in pregnancy, iodine media contrast-induced hyperthyroidism, amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidisms, and thyroid storm. Most of the reported studies had remarkable limitations in terms of study design (non-controlled trials, lack of blinding), low number of participants, and the lack of clinically relevant endpoints, such as cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality, and teratogenicity. Overall, perchlorates could be considered a second-line treatment after thionamides, radioiodine, and total thyroidectomy in both GD and hyperthyroidisms in pregnancy. The therapeutic potential of perchlorates alone or in combination with other agents could be considered a second-line treatment of iodine-related hyperthyroidisms and thyroid storm. CONCLUSION: Despite the low level of evidence, perchlorates could be considered in such specific forms of thyroid disorders, including iodine-induced hyperthyroidism and thyroid storm.

Key Findings

The management of specific forms of hyperthyroidism was considered, including Graves' disease (GD) in non-pregnant adults, hyperthyroidisms in pregnancy, iodine media contrast-induced hyperthyroidism, amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidisms, and thyroid storm. Most of the reported studies had remarkable limitations in terms of study design (non-controlled trials, lack of blinding), low number of participants, and the lack of clinically relevant endpoints, such as cardiovascular events, cardiovascula

Outcomes Measured

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Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Perchlorates
  • Thyrotoxicosis

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance


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