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[Goiter epidemiology in South Tirol]
R Oberhofer1, A Ober, A Seeber
1II. Medizinische Abteilung, Allgemeines Regionalkrankenhaus Bozen.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|October 2, 1992
Summary
Goitre prevalence in South Tyrolean schoolchildren is now 1.97%, indicating adequate iodine supply. This suggests South Tyrol is no longer a goitre endemic area due to iodized salt and dietary changes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Goitre, or thyroid enlargement, was historically prevalent in South Tyrol.
- Iodine deficiency has been a major cause of goitre worldwide.
- Assessing current goitre rates is crucial for public health evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the current prevalence of goitre among schoolchildren in South Tyrol.
- To evaluate thyroid function and iodine status in this population.
- To assess the impact of voluntary iodine prophylaxis on goitre epidemiology.
Main Methods:
- Thyroid gland size assessed via palpation and ultrasound in 1,013 children (aged 6-14).
- Thyroid function tests (T3, T4, TSH) and urinary iodine levels measured.
- Goitre prevalence calculated using World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.
Main Results:
- Goitre prevalence was 1.97% (157 stage Ia, 18 stage Ib, 2 stage II).
- Mean thyroid volume by ultrasound was 4.26 ml, increasing with age.
- Urinary iodine levels indicated adequate iodine supply (143.8 µg iodine/g creatinine).
Conclusions:
- South Tyrol is no longer considered a goitre endemic area based on WHO criteria.
- Voluntary iodized salt consumption and dietary shifts are likely responsible for the reduced goitre prevalence.
- Continued monitoring of iodine status and goitre rates is recommended.