Iodine : Uses and Health Benefits, Part 2

by MedlinePlus

(Page 2 of 5)

Ophthalmia neonatorum prevention

"Ophthalmia neonatorum" is defined as conjunctivitis with eye discharge that occurs during the first month of life. Various bacteria can cause this condition, including gonococcus and Chlamydia trachomatis . Several agents have been used as drops in the eyes to prevent this condition in infants, including erythromycin, silver nitrate, gentamicin, and Povidone-iodine. Tetracycline and penicillin drops have also been used. Although this condition is now uncommon in industrialized nations, it remains a problem in the developing world with an incidence as high as 20-30% and cases of blindness reported in Africa each year.Povidone-iodine ophthalmic solution appears to have broad spectrum activity against bacteria, and is less expensive than many antibiotics. It therefore may be a cost-effective option in some populations. One drop of 2.5% solution in each eye has been demonstrated as being effective in multiple studies.

Oral mucositis

There is limited research to suggest that iodine mouth rinses may decrease the severity of mucositis in the mouth related to cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The management of mucositis should be discussed with the cancer care team.

Thyrotoxicosis / Thyroid storm (adjunct iodides)

Hyperthyroid crisis (thyroid storm) is a medical emergency caused by excessive release of thyroid hormones into the circulation. Initial management of this condition involves inhibition of thyroid function with thioamide drugs such as propylthiouracilor methimazole. Iodides (such as potassium iodide) can then be administered to block the release of thyroid hormone, but should only be given an hour after thioamides to assure that the iodide is not used by the thyroid to make more thyroid hormone and worsen symptoms. Caution is warranted, because iodide preparations carry a risk of causing serum sickness. Iodides should not be used for long-term treatment of thyrotoxicosis.

Bladder irrigation

Povidone-iodine bladder irrigation has been suggested prior to catheter removal, or prior to prostatectomy surgery, to reduce the risk of infection. There is limited research in this area.

Bowel irrigation

Povidone-iodine irrigation before large bowel resection has been suggested as a sterilization technique.

Cancer

The potential role of non-radioactive iodine in cancer care remains unknown. Antioxidant and anti-tumor effects have been proposed based on laboratory research. In contrast, some scientists have asserted that tumors may uptake more iodine than normal tissues. It has been suggested that high rates of gastric (stomach) cancer or low rates of breast cancer in coastal Japan may be due to high iodine intake, although this has not been demonstrated scientifically. Povidone-iodine solutions have been used as a part of alternative cancer regimens, such as the Hoxsey formula. Overall, no clear conclusion can be drawn based on the currently available evidence.

Corpus vitreous degeneration

Topical administration of iodine eye drops may reduce corpusvitreous degeneration. Further study is needed to confirm these results.

Filarial lymphoedema

Footcare with betadine may help in the management of filarial lymphoedema.

Goiter treatment

Iodine deficiency can cause goiter (hypertrophy of the thyroid gland). Other causes of goiter should be considered in patients with this condition, such as autoimmune thyroiditis, excess iodine, other hormonal disorders, radiation exposure, infectious causes, or inborn errors of metabolism. Although goiter due to low iodine intake is rare in developed countries, it may occur in regions with endemic low iodine levels.Initial management of goiter should involve a medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause, and assessment of levels of thyroid hormones in the body. Treatment usually involves administration of thyroid hormone, most commonly levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid). Iodine plays a role in goiter prevention, but not in acute management of this condition. Iodine deficiency should be corrected if found, with supplementation.

Molluscum contagiosum

Povidone-iodine has been suggested as a topical treatment for molluscum. There is limited research in this area.

Oral intubation

Gargling with povidone-iodine before oral intubation reduces the transport of bacteria into the trachea.

Periodontitis / Gingivitis

Povidone-iodine mouthwash has been suggested to reduce mouth flora in the setting of periodontitis or around oral surgery. Evidence in this area is not conclusive.

Postcesarean endometritis

Preoperative vaginal scrub with povidone-iodine decreases the incidence of postcesarean endometritis. This intervention does not seem to decrease the overall risk of postoperative feveror wound infection.

Renal Pelvic Instillation Sclerotherapy (RPIS)

Povidone iodine 0.2% has been shown to be as effective for RPIS as 1% silver nitrate.

Wound healing

It is not clear if healing of wounds or skin ulcers is improved with the application of topical iodine solutions. Iodine solutions may assist with sterilization as a part of a larger approach to the healing process.

Visual outcomes in corneal ulceration

The addition of povidone-iodine to standard antibiotic therapy did not improve visual outcomes in corneal ulceration patients in one study.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Antimicrobial,Ascaris lumbricoides, burn wound healing, chronic otitis media, circulation enhancement, cognitive function enhancement, cutaneous sporotrichosis, dendritic keratitis, diabetic foot ulcers, energy level enhancement, fibrocystic breast disease, hookworm, hyperlipidemia,infant mortality improvement, Kashin-Beck osteoarthropathy, keratoconjuctivitis, renal impairment, respiratory congestion, thyroid adenoma,Trichuris trichiura,Schistosoma mansoni, vaginitis, venous leg ulcers, weight loss, wound infection.

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