Meta-analysis of the effects of low-dose ionizing radiation on the thyroid of medical radiation workers
10.3760/cma.j.cn112271-20230208-00030
- VernacularTitle:低剂量电离辐射对医务放射工作人员甲状腺影响Meta分析
- Author:
Yong YANG
1
;
Qiang WANG
;
Luting YANG
;
Aiqing YU
;
Zhixin ZHAO
;
Bo ZHU
;
Liyan JING
Author Information
1. 杭州市职业病防治院职业卫生与放射卫生科，杭州 310014
- Keywords:
Radiation worker;
Ionizing radiation;
Thyroid;
Meta analysis
- From:
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection
2023;43(6):447-456
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To assess the effects of low-dose ionizing radiation on the thyroid of medical radiation workers.Methods:Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 27 articles, involving 22 937 individuals, were screened finally from relevant literature published from 1996 to 2022. Meta-analysis was carried out using Stata 16.0 for serum levels of triiodothyronine (T 3), free triiodothyronine (FT 3), thyroid hormone (T 4), free thyroid hormone (FT 4), thyrotropin-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid nodule rates. As well, subgroup analysis were carried out of thyroid function in different types of radiation workers. Results:The standardized mean difference (SMD) at T 3 and T 4 levels for radiation workers was -0.19 (-0.37, -0.01) and -0.34 (-0.38, -0.30), lower than that of control group ( Z=2.07, -16.06, P<0.05). The SMD at FT 4 levels for radiation workers was 0.22 (0.06, 0.39), higher than control group ( Z=2.61, P<0.05). The relative risk of thyroid nodules in radiation workers was 1.47 (1.19, 1.82), higher than that of control group ( Z=-3.58, P<0.05). The analysis result for subgroup showed that the SMD for T 3, T 4 and TSH levels in the interventional radiology workers were -0.29 (-0.51, -0.07), -0.31 (-0.47, -0.15) and -0.43 (-0.73, -0.13) ( Z=-2.55, -3.86, -2.82, P<0.05), respectively, and the SMD for T 4 levels in the nuclear medicine workers was -0.26 (-0.45, -0.07), which meaned a reduced risk compared to the control group ( Z=-2.70, P<0.05). Conclusions:Long-term low doses of ionising radiation may have adverse effects on thyroid hormone and thyroid nodule in radiation workers, particularly in interventional radiology workers, and attention should be focused on their radiation protection.
