[Endemic goiter in the La Kara region (Togo). Analysis of etiologic factors]

Among 6,035 people living in 3 villages from the area of La Kara (Togo), 984 randomized subjects were investigated to evaluate goiter prevalence and related etiologic factors. Creatinine and thiocyanates (SCN-) were measured in urine, thyroid hormones and TSH in plasma. Iodine was evaluated in urine, water, salt, soil, millet and sorgho. The amount of cassava was evaluated in food. Mean goiter prevalence was 32%, reaching to 45.9% in one village; urinary iodine remained in a low range (27.2 +/- 2.18 micrograms/g creatinine in adults, 34.3 +/- 6.7 in children--m +/- SEM) independently of the presence of endemic goiter. Urinary SCN- was increased. Low iodine values were found in food, salt, soil and water which contained few mineral elements except flour which was increased in the samples collected in one of the 3 villages. Cretinism was absent, T4, T3, TSH remained in a normal range. This study confirms a high prevalence of endemic goiter in the area of La Kara with iodine deficiency, leading to an urgent iodine supplementation.