[Studies on iodine deficiency in adult population of Cracow]

The aim of the study carried out in 1989-90 and 1998-99 was to define the iodine deficiency state and goiter prevalence in adult population of Cracow. The analysis included data obtained from 230 individuals (143 females and 87 males). The mean age was 36 +/- 15 years. The thyroid size and morphology was determined by ultrasound method using Aloka unit equipped with 7.5 MHz linear transducer. The concentration of iodine in casual morning urine sample was measured using Sandell-Kolthoff's method. The 10- year observation revealed an insignificant decrease in prevalence of goiter from 26.2% to 21.8%. We observed statistically significant (p = 0.001) decrease in the parenchymal goiter prevalence from 22.7% to 11.7 in the same period of time. The significant increase in incidence of nodular goiter was found (6.5% vs 20.8%, p < 0.001). In all groups investigated through 1989-99, there was an increase in medians of ioduria over the 10-year period. The level of urinary iodine excretion was not essential element for risk of nodular goitre. Thus, the results indicate the beneficial effect of iodine prophylaxis which reflects in decrease of prevalence of parenchymal goiter. No clear effect of iodine prophylaxis was noticed regarding rise in nodular goiter incidence.