Iodine deficiency disorders in the Saratov province in Russia

The work deals with epidemiology of iodine deficiency (ID) in the Saratov province in Russia, with clinical data and thyroid autoimmunity disorders in schoolchildren living in a moderate ID area.

The Saratov province is situated in the Volga Region. The epidemiological study was made according to WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD recommendations (1994).

2040 children aged 6-12 in 21 schools from 14 districts of the province were examined (palpation and ultrasound). Ioduria was measured in 654 children. The results of screening for congenital hypothyroidism in 95657 neonates were analysed. The clinical study included hormonal (tT3, tT4, TSH) and immunological (Abs TPO, Abs Tg) assays in 246 children.

In the Saratov province of Russia moderate ID has been proved (ioduria median 38.2 microg/l, endemic goiter incidence in children 35.8% by palpation and 25.8% by ultrasound, hyperTSHemia incidence in neonates' blood 37.4%). Ioduria median correlates with the data of other ID epidemiological criteria in different ways, it being most high with hyperTSHemia. Thyroid nodules were detected in 2.0% goitrous children. Hypothyroidism was found in 31.1% of the goitrous children. Thyroid antibodies were determined in 10.8% of the children. The incidence of antibodies increases with age and goiter size. High prevalence of associated chronic pathology in goitrous children was observed.

According to WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD criteria, moderate ID in Saratov province has been found. Iodine deficiency disorders in children area cluster of pathological states, endemic goiter being one of the clinical symptoms. High prevalence of goiter, hypothyroidism, associated chronic pathology in children have been detected.