Relación deltre hipotiroidismo subclínico y bocio con el origen del agua consumida por una población del conurbano bonaerense / Relationship of subclinical hypothyroidism and goiter with the origin of water consumed by a population of the Buenos Aires suburbs

El hipotiroidismo subclínico (HS), elevación de tirotrofina con hormonas tiroideas normales, junto al bocio, aumentó la frecuencia en las últimas décadas. Con el objetivo de relacionar la prevalencia de bocio y HS con el consumo de agua subterránea como factor de riesgo etiológico poblacional, se analizaron 879 historias clínicas de un centro médico de Glew, en el conurbano bonaerense Sur. Se estudió la población según edad (20-60 y 12-19 años) y tipo de agua consumida (potabilizada o napa subterránea). El agua subterránea fue consumida por el 70.5% del grupo de 20 a 60 años (n = 559, 79.9% mujeres) y por el 66.3% del grupo de 12 a 19 años (n = 57, 81.4% mujeres). En el grupo de 20 a 60 años la prevalencia de HS en consumidores de agua potabilizada y subterránea fue del 1% y 57.8% (p < 0.0001) y la de bocio de 3.8% y 38.9% (p < 0.0001), respectivamente; con un riesgo atribuible al agua subterránea de 57% para HS y 35% para bocio. En el grupo de 12 a 19 años, la prevalencia de HS fue 6.9% y 52.6% (p < 0.0001) y de bocio 13.8% y 77.2% para los grupos de agua potabilizada y subterránea, (p < 0.0001) respectivamente; con un riesgo atribuible al agua subterránea de 46% para HS y 61% para bocio. El análisis fisicoquímico mostró presencia de nitratos (entre 24 y 83 mg/l) en aguas de pozos y ausencia en agua potable. La prevalencia aumentada de HS y bocio podrían deberse a la acción disruptora tiroidea de los nitratos.

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH), elevation of the level of thyrotrophin with normal thyroid hormones, along with goiter (glandular size > 25g), increased in recent decades. In order to relate the prevalence of goiter and SH with the consumption of groundwater, as a population etiological risk factor, we analyzed 879 clinical histories from a medical center in the city of Glew in the South Buenos Aires suburbs. The population was studied according to age (20 to 60 and 12 to 19 years) and type of water consumed (potable water or groundwater). Groundwater was consumed by 70.5% of the group from 20 to 60 years old (n = 559, 79.9% women) and by 66.3% of the group from 12 to 19 years old (n = 57, 81.4% women In the group of 20 to 60 years, the prevalence of SH in potable water and groundwater users was 1% and 57.8% (p < 0.0001) and the goiter rate of 3.8% and 38.9% (p < 0.0001) respectively; with an attributable risk to groundwater of 57% for HS, and 35% for goiter In the group of 12 to 19 years, the prevalence of SH was 6.9% and 52.6% (p < 0.0001) and goiter 13.8% and 77.2% for the water and groundwater groups (p>0.0001) respectively, with an attributable risk of 46% for HS y 61% for goiter. The physicochemical analysis showed the presence of nitrates in the range of 24 to 83 mg/l in groundwater and absence in potable water. The increased prevalence of HS and goiter could be due to the thyroid disrupting action of nitrates.

Concentração de iodo urinário em urina de 24 horas de gestantes e sua associação com bócio tireoidiano materno, aborto e peso neonatal: estudo piloto / Urinary iodine concentration in 24-hour urine of pregnant women and its association with goiter in the mother, abortion and neonatal weight: pilot study

Introdução: A comida tem um papel proeminente na obtenção do iodo e uma das melhores estratégias é a iodização do sal. No Brasil, a Anvisa reduziu as doses de iodo no sal de cozinha desde 2014. Portanto, é importante avaliar a concentração urinária de iodo (CIU) em nossa população. Com base no exposto, propõe-se avaliar a CIU das gestantes, associando-a à frequência de bócio materno, aborto e peso neonatal. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional com um corte transversal composto por 37 pacientes atendidos no Serviço de Obstetrícia da Faculdade de Medicina de Barbacena e uma clínica particular em Juiz de Fora. A CIU foi verificada em 24 horas de urina. Resultados: A média de CIU foi de 213,6 µg/l de urina, com dose mínima de 29 µg/l e máxima de 437 µg/l. A glândula tireoide foi avaliada durante o exame clínico prénatal (palpação da glândula) e em 24 pacientes (38,1%) foi considerada normal. A palpação da glândula tireoide foi associada à CIU. Houve maior iodúria em gestantes com glândula não palpável (p = 0,004; T = 14,13). Não houve associação entre a CIU e história de aborto ou peso fetal ao nascimento (p > 0,05). Conclusões: Apesar de ser uma amostra pequena da população, identificamos pacientes expostas ao déficit. No entanto, a CIU não parece estar associada ao peso do recém-nascido ou a abortos, mas à dosagem de TSH e ao tamanho da glândula tireoide. Assim, a palpação da glândula tireoide poderia ser usada como uma medida indireta do CIU. (AU)

Introduction: Food has a prominent role in providing iodine and one of the best strategies is salt iodization. The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency has reduced iodine content in table salt since 2014. Therefore, there is a need for evaluating urinary iodine concentration in our population, especially after the modified recommendations. Based on the above, we sought to assess urinary iodine concentration in pregnant women, associating it with frequency of maternal goiter, abortion and neonatal weight. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study included 37 patients seen at the Obstetrics Service of Barbacena Medical School and a private clinic in Juiz de Fora, both in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Iodine concentration was determined in 24- hour urine through chromatography. Results: The mean 24-hour urine iodine was 213.6 µg/l, with minimum and maximum measures of 29 µg/l and 437 µg/l, respectively. The thyroid gland was assessed by prenatal clinical examination (palpation of the gland). In 24 patients (38.1%) it was considered normal. Palpation of the thyroid gland was associated with 24-hour urine iodine concentration, although a higher iodine concentration was identified in pregnant women with non-palpable gland (p = 0.004; T = 14.13). There was no association between 24-hour urine iodine concentration and history of abortion or birth weight (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study, although based on a small sample of the population, was important to identify that even in areas where iodine is considered sufficient there may be patients exposed to iodine deficit. However, urinary iodine concentration does not appear to be associated with birth weight or abortion frequency but is associated with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level and thyroid gland size, suggesting that clinical evaluation of the thyroid gland is an important element for predicting urinary iodine concentration. Thus, palpation of the thyroid gland could be used as an indirect measure of urinary iodine concentration. (AU)

Substernal goiter and laryngopharyngeal reflux

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to compare the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux signs between two groups of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for voluminous goiter: substernal goiters and voluminous cervical goiter without thoracic extension. Subjects and methods A retrospective case-control study was performed with data retrieved of the charts of the patients submitted to thyroidectomies occurred at a tertiary care center (Head and Neck Surgery Department, University of São Paulo Medical School) between 2010 and 2014. The selected thyroidectomies were allocated in two groups for study: patients with substernal goiters and patients with voluminous cervical goiter without thoracic extension. Cervical goiters were selected by ultrasonography mensuration. Clinical criterion was used to define substernal goiter. Results The average thyroid volume in patients with substernal goiter was significantly greater than the average volume in patients with only cervical goiter (p < 0.001). The prevalence of signs of reflux laryngitis at laryngoscopy was significantly greater in substernal goiter patients (p = 0.036). Moreover, substernal goiter was considered as the unique independent variable for high reflux laryngitis signs at laryngoscopy (OR = 2.75; CI95%: 1.05-7.20; p = 0.039) when compared to only cervical goiter patients. Conclusion This study shows a significant association between substernal goiters and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux at preoperative laryngoscopy. Therefore, when compared with voluminous cervical goiters, the substernal goiters increase the chance of reflux laryngitis signs in patients.

Suivi hormonal post thyroidectomie : Etude prospective à propos de 112 cas opérés à l'Hôpital National de Niamey de Mars 2014 à Avril 2015

Le goitre est la maladie endocrinienne la plus répandue au monde. L'objectif de notre étude est d'évaluer l'influence de la thyroïdectomie sur la fonction hormonale dans le service de chirurgie générale de l'hôpital national de Niamey. A cet effet nous avons recueilli les données relatives à 112 cas, ayant bénéficié d'une thyroïdectomie, entre mars 2014 et avril 2015. Le sexe féminin est prédominant avec 96,4% soit un sex ratio de 0,04, la tranche d'âge comprise entre 30-39 ans est la plus touchées avec 37,5% et une moyenne de 41,2 ans. La durée d'évolution du goitre est plus de 4 ans dans 33% des cas avec une moyenne de 7,5 ans et des extrêmes allant de 5 mois à 20 ans. Le premier motif de consultation est la tuméfaction cervicale antérieure. L'échographie a montré un aspect hyperéchogène dans 58% des cas. La radiographie cervicale est pathologique dans 76% des cas. Le goitre euthyroidien est majoritaire avec 89,2%. Sur le plan thérapeutique, la loboisthmectomie est le geste le plus pratiqué avec 43,7%, suivi de la thyroïdectomie subtotale avec 34%, thyroïdectomie totale 16% et la nodulectomie avec 9%. Le bilan hormonal post opératoire a objectivé 16 cas (14,3%) d'hypothyroïdie à 1 mois, 30 cas (26,7%) à 3 mois et à 6 mois et 2 cas (1,8%) à 1 an. La corrélation entre les gestes chirurgicaux et le bilan hormonal à 6 mois nous a permis de faire les constats suivants : dans les 30 cas d'hypothyroïdie, 16 étaient liées à la thyroïdectomie totale, 8 patients des loboisthmectomies et 6 des thyroïdectomies subtotales. A 1 an, nous avons constatés au total 2 cas d'hypothyroïdie liée à la thyroïdectomie totale, malgré la subtutition hormonale. Partant de ce résultat, nous pensons qu'il faut conserver un peu du tissu thyroïdien que ça soit le lobe ou la lame postérieure afin d'éviter la prescription des hormones thyroïdiennes

Impacto de las acciones para la eliminación sostenible de la deficiencia de yodo en Cuba / Impact of the actions for the sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency in Cuba

Objetivos: Evaluar la efectividad del “Programa de Eliminación Sostenible de Deficiencia de Yodo” mediante determinación de yoduria y prevalencia de bocio. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal en el cual se incluyó a la población escolar cubana de 6 a 11 años que cursaba estudios en el periodo 2011-2012. Se empleó un muestreo estratificado polietápico. En el cual se determinaron los niveles de excreción de yodo en la orina (yoduria) y la presencia de bocio. Resultados. La mediana de yoduria fue de 176,3 µg/L; el 7,6% de los escolares presentaron alguna deficiencia de yodo, solo el 2,2% estaba por debajo de 50 µg/L (deficiencia severa) y el 15,3% tenía yodurias por encima de 300 µg/L. El porcentaje de escolares con nutrición óptima de yodo fue de 43,5%, esta categoría presentó una frecuencia significativamente mayor ( p=0,03) en el estrato montaña (52,5%). La prevalencia de bocio encontrada fue de 17,6%, que corresponde a una endemia ligera. Sin embargo, en el estrato montaña se encontró una prevalencia de 32,6 % (endemia severa). Conclusiones. El análisis integral del impacto de las acciones de control de la deficiencia de yodo evaluado a través de la excreción urinaria de yodo y la prevalencia de bocio refleja que ha dejado de ser un problema de salud poblacional en los estratos urbano y rural de Cuba, atribuible a un adecuado proceso de yodación de la sal. Sin embargo, aún se observa una alta prevalencia de bocio en la zona de montaña de Cuba.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of the Sustainable Elimination of Iodine Deficiency Program through determination of urinary iodine and goiter prevalence. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Cuban school children aged 6 to 11 years old in 2011-2012. A stratified multistage sample was used in which the levels of iodine excretion in urine (urinary iodine) and the presence of goiter were determined. Results. The median urinary iodine was 176.3 µg/L; 7.6% of the students showed some deficiency of iodine, only 2.2% were below 50 µg/L (severe deficiency), and 15.3% had urinary iodine above 300 µg/L. The percentage of school children with optimal iodine nutrition was 43.5%, this category showed a significantly higher frequency (p=0.03) in the mountain areas (52.5%). Goiter prevalence was 17.6% which corresponds to a mild endemic. However, in the mountain area the prevalence was 32.6% (severe endemic). Conclusions. The comprehensive analysis of the impact of iodine deficiency control measures assessed by urinary iodine excretion and goiter prevalence reflects that it is no longer a population health problem in urban and rural areas of Cuba, attributable to a proper process of salt iodization. Nevertheless, high goiter prevalence is still observed in the mountain area of Cuba.

Prevalence of goiter and thyroid nodular disease in patients with class III obesity / Prevalência de bócio e doença nodular tireoidiana em pacientes com obesidade grau III

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of goiter and nodular disease in patients with class III obesity, and to correlate results with serum leptin levels and insulin resistance (IR) parameters. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed to assess thyroid ultrasound (US) patterns, HOMA-IR, serum leptin, and TSH levels in obese patients and controls. RESULTS: Thyroid volume was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.240, p = 0.039) and with HOMA-IR (r = 0.329; p < 0.01). Thyroid US patterns were similar between groups. However, when data from the male group was considered, greater thyroid volume was detected in the obese group compared with controls (10.8 vs. 8.5 cm³; p = 0.04). Also, nodules were more frequently detected (67% vs. 18%), as were nodules requiring FNAB (33.3% vs. 0%, p ≥ 0.05-0.09), in this group. CONCLUSION: Although IR did not correlate directly with the presence of nodules, the results support the hypothesis of a direct association between insulin resistance and thyroid volume.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência de bócio e doença nodular tireoidiana em pacientes com obesidade grau III e correlacionar os resultados com os níveis de leptina e parâmetros de resistência à ação da insulina (RI). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Estudo seccional foi desenvolvido realizando ultrassonografia (US) tireoidiana e níveis séricos de HOMA-IR e TSH nos pacien­tes obesos e nos controles. RESULTADOS: Volume tireoidiano foi positivamente correlacionado com índice de massa corporal (IMC) (r = 0,240, p = 0,039) e com HOMA (r = 0,329; p < 0,01). Volume tireoidiano e prevalência de doença nodular tireoidiana foram similares entre os grupos. Quando avaliado o subgrupo masculino, maiores volumes tireoidianos foram detectados no grupo dos obesos comparados aos controles (10,8 vs. 8,5 cm³; p = 0,04), nódulos foram mais frequentes (67% vs. 18%), assim como nódulos com indicação de punção (33,3% vs. 0%, p ≥ 0,05-0,09). CONCLUSÃO: Embora RI não se correlacione diretamente com a presença de nódulos, os resultados suportam a hipótese da direta associação entre resistência à ação da insulina e volume tireoidiano.

Incidence of thyroid IMA artery in our population

To find out the incidence of thyroid ima artery in our population. An exploratory study. This study was conducted in a private hospital and Nishtar Hospital Multan. Study was conducted from 15 Jan to 25 September 2012. All the patients with the goiter and who were euthyroid presenting to the Nishatr Hospital and private hospital [Khursheed Rafiq Hospital] in Multan were included in study.Patients with tumors and huge retrostemal goiter were excluded from the study.During surgery of thyroid, meticulous dissection was done to identify the thyroid ima artery and incidence was recorded. A total no of 87 patients were included in the study. Out these 7 were excluded due to the huge goiter with difficult surgery. Out of remaining 80 pts, 65 [80%] were females on 15 [20%] were females, [ratio of female to male 4.3: l].The mean age of the patients was 45 years [from 70 years to 20 years] The thyroid ima artery was found in 4 pts only [5%].All the patients were females It means that incidence of this artery in females is more than males.It may be due to the more incidence of goiter in females [80%] than males as this study was conducted only patients suffering from goiter. In both patients this artery was supplying the isthmus of the thyroid gland. This was of adequate size. Inferior thyroid artery was also present in both cases. The incidence of thyroid ima artery was recorded to be 4% in our population

Epidemiological Assessment of Goiter.

Research Question: 1. What is the magnitude of problem of Goiter? 2. What is the level of iodised salt consumed by school children at school & home? Objectives: 1. To find out incidence of Goiter. 2. To find out level of iodised salt consumed by school children at school & home. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Settings: School & houseto- house survey of urban & rural area of Raichur district. Participant: School children & general population of both sexes. Sample size: 45173. Statistical analysis: Proportion & Chi-squared test. Results: Total population covered 45173 in five talukas. Males were 23463 & females 21730, adult population 16404, children more than 15 yrs were 28769 & school population was 24984. School boys were 14269 & girls 10715. Highest prevalence of goiter found in Raichur taluka i.e. 5.68% and lowest in Lingsur taluka i.e. 0.86%. Over all prevalence of Goiter among surveyed villages is found to be 3.19 % (1439 cases). Higher prevalence has been reported among females in age group of 10- 14 yrs 5.25% & 15-19 yrs 4.66% compared to other age groups of village population. School children in Raichur district revealed the prevalence of Goiter 3.66%. Conclusion: Prevalence of Goiter among surveyed villages is found to be 3.19 % (1439 cases), which is less compared to the National figures. The people are consuming the iodated salt and ban on non-iodated salt may be effectively implemented in study region.

Thyroid disorders in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mettitus in Isfahan, Iran

Studies in different populations have shown great variation in the prevalence of thyroid diseases in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus [TIDM]. Our aim was to study the prevalence of thyroid disorders such as autoimmunity of thyroid [AIT], thyroid dysfunction, and goiter in children and adolescents with TIDM, compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls in Isfahan. One hundred patients with TIDM who were referred to Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center and 184 healthy schoolchildren matched for age and sex were included. They were examined for goiter by two endocrinologists. Thyroid function test and serum thyroid antibodies [anti-TPO Ab and anti-Tg AbJ were measured. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was high in both groups [18%]. TIDM patients had lower frequency of goiter [21% vs. 38%, P=0.001], and higher prevalence of positive AIT [22% vs. 8%, P=0.001], anti-TPO Ab positivity [19.3% vs. 5.3%, P=0.000], and anti-Tg Ab [11.1% vs. 6.4%, P=0.1] in comparison with the control group. Being positive for AIT in diabetic patients meant an odds ratio of 5 [Cl 95%: 1.5-15.6] for thyroid dysfunction. There was no association between age, sex, duration of diabetes and HbAic with serum anti-TPO Ab and anti-Tg Ab concentrations in this group. Our results demonstrated the high prevalence of AIT and thyroid dysfunction in patients with TIDM. We suggest regular thyroid function and antibody testing in these patients

Insulin-like growth factor-1 and zinc status of goitrous primary-school children in Arak, Islamic Republic of Iran

Despite a successful national salt iodinization programme, endemic goitre still persists in Iranian children. In a cross-sectional study in Arak the prevalence of goitre was 5.2% in a sample of 6520 primaryschool children. Subsamples of 193 children with goitre and 151 healthy children were assessed for urinary iodine excretion, thyroid hormone profile, insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1] and serum zinc. The mean urinary iodine levels of goitrous children and healthy children were 17.4 micro g/dL and 15.3 micro g/dL respectively, suggesting that iodine consumption was adequate. No significant differences were found between goitrous and healthy schoolchildren in mean levels of urinary iodine, serum IGF-1 or serum zinc. Other factors need be evaluated to explain the residual prevalence of goiter

[Assessment of iodine intake in Yazd province; 17 years after universal salt iodization [the fourth national survey: 2007]]

Tremendous efforts towards the elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorders [IDD] during the last two decades have controlled these disorders in most of the provinces in Iran. This study was performed to evaluate the adequacy of iodine supplementation after 17 years of universal salt iodization in Yazd province. In a cross-sectional study, 1200 schoolchildren [600 girls and 600 boys] aged 8 to10 year-olds, randomly selected from Yazd province were evaluated in 2007. Goiter prevalence, urinary iodine excretion and iodine content of household salts were measured and the obtained data were compared to those obtained in 1996 and 2001. Total prevalence of goiter was 6.3% and no grade II goiter was seen. The median urinary iodine in 120 schoolchildren was 248 microg/L, with 5.8% [95% CI= 1.6-10] having urinary iodine excretion less than 50 microg/L. Eighty six percent of households were using purified iodized salt, 48% of households had appropriate salt storage, and 5% of the household salts contained less than 15 microg iodide. Goiter prevalence has significantly decreased in the Yazd province, 17 years after universal salt iodization. The median urinary iodine of schoolchildren was adequate as that reported in 1996 and 2001, indicating a well established sustainable IDD program in Iran

Iodine deficiency disorders after a decade of universal salt iodization in a severe iodine deficiency region in China.

Background & objectives: Universal salt iodization (USI) was implemented in all counties of China in 1995. This study was undertaken to assess the status of iodine deficiency disorders control and prevention after 10 years of implementation of USI in a severe iodine deficiency region in China. Methods: Thirty primary school were selected in Gansu province utilizing cluster sampling methodology for the years 1995 and 2005. In each selected school, 40 children aged 8-10 yr were randomly selected for thyroid and IQ examination, and urinary samples were collected from 12. On the spot casual urine samples and salt samples were collected from a subset of children included in the study. In 2005, casual urine samples were also collected from 50 pregnant and lactating women in each cluster. Effect of health education was studied by a combination method of giving questionnaires to and observing students and families. Results: The total goiter rates (TGR) were found to be 13.5 and 38.7 per cent in 2005 and 1995 respectively. The medians urinary iodine excretion levels of children were 191.8 and 119.9 μg/l in 2005 and 1995. The median urinary iodine excretion level of women was 161.9 μg/l. The mean intelligence quotient (IQ) was 96.9 in 2005 significantly more than that in 1997 (P<0.05). The health education pass rate of children and women were 21.1 and 51.1 per cent respectively. Interpretation & conclusion: After ten years of universal salt iodization (USI), iodine nutrition of people improved and the current iodine nutrition status of population was adequate. Decrease in TGR and increase in IQ showed that IDD control and prevention had made great progress through ten years USI, salt iodization played the key role in IDD control and prevention for sustained elimination of IDD, the programme of USI and other measures like health education should be persisted and enforced.

Prevalence of goitre among school children in Belgaum District.

Objective. A school survey was conducted to estimate the prevalence of goitre among schoolchildren in Belgaum district. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in primary, middle and high schools of villages selected. All the children of the selected schools were examined for the presence of goitre and the salt samples obtained from their homes were tested for iodine content. Results. Overall prevalence of goitre was 16.7%. Prevalence of palpable goitre was 16.4 % and visible goitre was very low (0.3%). Higher prevalence was found among females (21.1%) when compared to that of male children (12.8 %). Prevalence of goitre increased significantly with advancement of age until 16-yr. 72.1 % children were consuming rock salt and only 27.9 % were consuming powdered salt at their homes. Estimation of Iodine content in the salt samples showed that 68.7 % of the sample had inadequate iodine content. Prevalence of goitre was significantly high among children who consumed rock salt (16.2%) as compared to those who used powdered salt (11%). Conclusion. Strict implementation of salt codization and marketing in rural area is desired. Also health education programme be showed.

Effect of testosterone on thyroid function in iodine deficient castrated rats

The prevalence of goiter, especially in iodine deficient regions, is higher in women than men. This investigation was conducted to determine the effect of testosterone on thyroid weight and function in iodine deficient normal and castrated rats Male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups, of 7 animals each: Castrated, hormone treated [C+T], castrated, non-hormone treated [C+NT], normal [N], iodine deficient diet, castrated, hormone treated [ID+C+T], iodine deficient diet, castrated, non-hormone treated [ID+C+NT], iodine deficient diet, normal [ID+N]. Three weeks after castration, the C+T and ID+C+T groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of 1 mg/kg testosterone enontate, for 9 weeks. At the end, of the study, we measured thyroid weight and serum testosterone, T4, free T4, T3 and TSH and urinary iodine concentrations. Serum testosterone levels significantly decreased in the C+NT and ID+C+NT groups [p < 0.001]. In ID groups, serum TSH, T3 and thyroid weight levels significantly increased and serum T4 and free T4 levels significantly decreased as compared with the iodine sufficient groups [p < 0.001]. The ID+C+NT group, had higher serum TSH and thyroid weight and lower serum freeT4 than the ID+C+T and ID+N groups [p < 0.01]. The C+NT group had higher serum TSH and lower serum free T4 than C+T and N groups [p < 0.01]. These results suggest that testosterone decreases thyroid enlargement and serum free T4 levels in ID castrated rats, which may explain the lower incidence of goiter in men than women in iodine deficient regions

Persistence of goitre in children post-salt iodization in Islamic Republic of Iran: autoimmune status

We evaluated the prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in a random sample of 1188 schoolchildren aged 8-13 years with normalized iodine intake in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The prevalence of goitre was 39.6%; the majority had palpable but non-visible goitre. Of a subsample of 500 children, median urinary iodine excretion [18/8 microg/dL] indicated normal iodine intake. Thyroid peroxidase [TPO] antibody was positive in 3.7% of children and was significantly correlated with the prevalence of goitre and hypothyroidism. No correlation was seen between urinary iodine excretion and positive TPO antibody, mean TPO antibody, hypothyroidism or prevalence of goitre. Autoimmune thyroiditis explains some cases of goitre but other goitrogenic factors need to be evaluated

Evaluation of the role of ultrasonography in diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis in goitrous children.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of thyroid ultrasound in children with autoimmune thyroiditis diagnosed either on cytopathology or by the presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Children presenting for the first time to the Thyroid Clinic at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences for the complaint of goiter over a two year period (January 2005-December 2006) were studied. SUBJECTS: 695 school children (244 boys and 451 girls) aged 5-18 year were studied. METHODS: Children were subjected to thyroid ultrasound, cytopathology, thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroid function tests. RESULTS: Overall, 16% of goitrous children had hypoechogenicity on ultrasound, 15.2% had cytopathological evidence of thyroiditis, 10.6% had positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies and 25.2% had abnormal thyroid function tests. Subjects with hypoechogenicity had higher percentage of thyroiditis on cytopathology (41.4% vs. 10.3%; P<0.01), thyroid peroxidase antibody positivity (30.6% vs. 6.8%; P<0.01) and thyroid dysfunction (46.8% vs. 21.2%; P<0.01) than those with normal echogenicity. CONCLUSION: Thyroid USG has a useful, though limited, role in excluding thyroid disease in children. The sensitivity of echogenicity for the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis in children is less than that reported in adults.

Ultrasound evaluation of thyroid size: a large nationwide study of schoolchildren in India.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound assessment of thyroid volume is considered a more objective method than clinical palpation for the diagnosis of goitre. We used ultrasonography to establish normal reference cut-off points of thyroid volume in schoolchildren of different socioecomonic groups in India and compared the results with international norms. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we clinically examined 27,250 children from the lower and higher socioeconomic strata (SES) from all over India to determine their goitre staging. A single sonologist, using ultrasonography, assessed the thyroid volume in a subset of 15,986 children (8463 from the lower and 7523 from the higher SES). Students were recruited from at least one school each representing the higher and the lower SES, from cities located in 5 zones of India. Children with known thyroid disorders were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Clinical evaluation revealed a mean goitre prevalence of 19.9% (23.2% in girls; 16.5% in boys; 17.1% in the higher SES; 23.5% in the lower SES). The thyroid volume as assessed by ultrasonography was significantly higher in children from the lower SES (mean 5.65 ml, SE 0.02) compared with those from the higher SES (mean 5.02 ml, SE 0.02) after adjusting for the imbalance in body surface area (p < 0.001). Using international norms (WHO 2004), the prevalence of goitre in various body surface area categories among children who had no goitre on clinical examination ranged from 48.2% to 75.1% for boys and 23.2% to 67.4% for girls. CONCLUSION: The striking discrepancy in the prevalence of goitre assessed by using clinical examination and ultrasound techniques suggests that the norms recommended by WHO based on ultrasound techniques are not appropriate for India.

Biochemical and clinical assessment of thyroid status in patients with thyroid disorders referred to El-Obied Regional Health Laboratory

This study aimed at assessing the thyroid status in Kordofan region [western Sudan] where the prevalence of goitre was not clearly defined. A cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted in Elobied regional health laboratory on 150 thyroid patients [136 female, 14 male] referred during the period between May-November 2003, their ages ranged between 6 to 65 years. A matching control group of 50 subjects [39 female, 11 male] without symptoms or signs of thyroid disease, were included for comparison. After clinical evaluation and data collection through a questionnaire, serum concentrations of TSH, total triiodothyronine [TT3], and total thyroxine [TT4] were measured by radioimmunoassay. The frequency of thyroid disorders was higher in females [90.7%] than in males [9.3%], among the age group between 25-34 years. The percentage of patients with euthyroid was significantly higher [62%] compared with 28.3% of hyper and 9.3% of hypothyroidism. 69.3% of the thyroid patients had stage II goitre. TT4, TT3 and TSH showed significant differences [P < 0.001] in hyper and hypothyroidism compared with the euthyroid patients and the control group. Serum TT[4] values correlated negatively with TSH [r = 0.272, P = 0.001], and positively with TT[3] [r = 0.693, P = 0.000]. The prevalence of thyroid diseases was found higher in this area, with strong association with the food intake and genetic background, a problem needing to be considered seriously

[Effects of knowledge, attitude and practice of married women with community oriented medical education in city of Kermanshah city on iodized salt consumption [2004]]

Despite substitution of iodized salt for common salt since 1996 in Iran, goiter prevalence has not decreased, as expected, in poor districts. Maintaining iodine salt and its addition to the meal at the time of cooking are considered as the main reasons for goiter prevalence. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of knowledge, attitude and practice of married women being educated in medical community-oriented era of Kermanshah city on the consuming of iodized salt in 2004. According to census data collected and documented in 1999, 400 families were chosen randomly to be visited and observed on their consumption and maintenance of iodized salt. The woman or the person in charge of cooking was also asked to complete the questionnaire of knowledge, attitude and practice. Of the women, questioned aged 32.91 +/- 7.5 years, 28% were under 29 years old, 34.8% 30-34, and 37.3% were over 35 years old; 50.5% were illiterate, 18.3% high school educated and 31.3% university educated. The reports showed knowledge rate at 48.3% [weak], attitude 55.9% [mediocre] and function 83.8% [mediocre]. Although Chi Square Test was not significant enough to review the relation between women's function, awareness, attitude and education as well as the relation between function, attitude and age, the relation of attitude and age was meaningful. Considering the lack women's awareness regarding regular maintaining and consumption of iodized salt in Kermanshah city and the role of media, it is vital to educate people via media