Thyroid affectation in workers exposed to ionizing radiation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18041/2322-634X/rcso.2.12966Keywords:
Occupational Exposure, Ionizing Radiation, Thyroid Nodule, Subclinical Hypothyroidism, HypothyroidismAbstract
Introduction: Health personnel working in areas with ionizing radiation-generating equipment have greater radiation exposure than the general population, which can increase the risk of thyroid lesions. Studies conducted in various countries have shown a higher prevalence of thyroid diseases such as clinical hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer in health personnel.
Objective: To determine the association between thyroid lesions in exposed health personnel and low-dose ionizing radiation at the Hospital de Especialidades Teodoro Maldonado Carbo, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Methods: A quantitative study with a retrospective observational scope and cross-sectional design was conducted. Occupationally exposed personnel and non-exposed personnel were compared in a 1:2 ratio, respectively, matched by age. Personnel with thyroid disease diagnosed outside the 2015-2019 period and those under 26 years of age were excluded.
Results: The occupationally exposed group consisted of 127 workers from the personal dosimetry report, while the non-exposed group included 254 workers from other hospital areas. Occupationally exposed personnel showed a higher risk of thyroid lesions compared to non-exposed health personnel (OR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.035-4.443). The most frequent findings were: thyroid nodules (31.3%; OR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.0723-10.4526), subclinical hypothyroidism (25%), and clinical hypothyroidism (18.8%).
Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that health personnel working in areas exposed to ionizing radiation have a significantly higher risk of thyroid lesions than non-exposed personnel
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