Potential harm from the use of povidone-iodine antiseptics includes

Potential harm from the use of povidone-iodine antiseptics includes

• A. deafness
• B. thyroid dysfunction
• C. neurotoxicity
• D. allergic response to iodine

Answer: (B)

Iodine from povidone-iodine can be absorbed systemically, especially with large-area application or wound exposure, and this can affect thyroid function. Excess iodine can trigger the Wolff-Chaikoff effect, temporarily reducing thyroid hormone production, which can lead to hypothyroidism in some individuals. In susceptible people, or in situations of significant iodine load, autonomous thyroid tissue can respond with increased hormone release, causing hyperthyroidism (the Jod-Basedow phenomenon). This systemic impact on the thyroid is the most recognized harm associated with povidone-iodine antiseptics in perioperative care. While an allergic reaction to iodine is possible, and other adverse effects are discussed in broader toxicology, thyroid dysfunction is the specific systemic risk highlighted for povidone-iodine. In typical skin prep for surgery, the risk to healthy adults is low, but the thyroid-related concern is particularly important for patients with thyroid disease or in cases of substantial iodine exposure.

Iodine from povidone-iodine can be absorbed systemically, especially with large-area application or wound exposure, and this can affect thyroid function. Excess iodine can trigger the Wolff-Chaikoff effect, temporarily reducing thyroid hormone production, which can lead to hypothyroidism in some individuals. In susceptible people, or in situations of significant iodine load, autonomous thyroid tissue can respond with increased hormone release, causing hyperthyroidism (the Jod-Basedow phenomenon). This systemic impact on the thyroid is the most recognized harm associated with povidone-iodine antiseptics in perioperative care.

While an allergic reaction to iodine is possible, and other adverse effects are discussed in broader toxicology, thyroid dysfunction is the specific systemic risk highlighted for povidone-iodine. In typical skin prep for surgery, the risk to healthy adults is low, but the thyroid-related concern is particularly important for patients with thyroid disease or in cases of substantial iodine exposure.