Determination of iodine concentration in urine by isotope dilution analysis and thyroid volume of school children in the west coast of Turkey after mandatory salt iodization.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate iodine deficiency status in children 6-12 years in the west coast (Aegean Region) of Turkey after 5 years of mandatory iodine prophylaxis. A total of 2300 children from 72 populations (rural and urban area) were evaluated with urinary iodine excretion and thyroid volume. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study designed and performed according to surveillance methods for iodine deficiency disease (IDD) prevalence recommended by WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD. SUBJECTS: The study population consisted of 2300 school children age ranging from 6 to 12 years. The children were selected by multiple stage randomization from 91 primary schools of 76 zones (91 clusters). Information about the use of iodized salt was obtained from the families. MEASUREMENTS: Data on the following were collected: birth date, sex, weight, height, thyroid size by palpation and ultrasonography; and urinary iodine by isotope dilution analysis method. Thyroid volumes above 97th percentile according to the WHO/ICCIDD by age and body surface area (BSA) were accepted as goitre. RESULTS: Iodized salt consumption was 51.7%. The prevalence of goitre determined by palpation was 12.1% and by ultrasound based on BSA and age were 9.8% and 5.5%, respectively. Median urinary iodine was 53 (2-142) microg/l. CONCLUSION: Mild to severe degree of iodine deficiency was detected in the west coast of Turkey.

A correlative study between 99mTc-ESTCPTA and 99mTc-MIBI in rats.

Tissue distribution of the 99mTc labeled derivative of the estrogen compound 3,17-alpha-estradiolyl propyl 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecanyl-l-(4-methylbenzoic acid) ester (ESTCPTA), which has an 3,17-alpha-estradiolyl propinol coupled to l-(4-methylbenzoic acid)1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (CPTA), was compared to 99mTc-MIBI (methoxyisobutyl isonitrile) in female Albino Wistar rats. Tissues of interest included lung, liver, heart, kidneys, spleen, stomach, intestines, pancreas, muscle, blood, breast, ovary, fat, and uterus. 99mTc-ESTCPTA uptake by the uterus and ovary, as ER-rich tissues, was highly selective. Maximum uptakes for 99mTc-MIBI and 99mTc-ESTCPTA are 90 min in breast, ovary and uterus. The pancreas also showed significant receptor saturated and unsaturated ratios for 99mTc-ESTCPTA. Results are sufficiently encouraging to generate further evaluation of these and related compounds as possible estrogen receptor based tumor imaging and therapeutic agents in estrogen-rich tissues.