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Changes in thyroid morphology and function in children in western Poland as a result of intensified iodine
Maciej Baczyk1, Marek Ruchała, Marlena Pisarek
1Department ofEndocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Karol Marcinkowski University School of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
Insights
Obligatory salt iodization significantly reduced goiter in Polish children. While antithyroid antibodies increased, autoimmune thyroid disorders saw only a slight rise, demonstrating effective iodine prophylaxis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Iodine deficiency disorders remain a global public health concern.
- Salt iodization is a primary strategy for iodine deficiency prevention.
- Assessing the long-term impact of salt iodization on thyroid health in children is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of mandatory salt iodization on thyroid pathology in children aged 8-12 years.
- To analyze changes in thyroid function and autoimmunity following the implementation of salt iodization in Poland.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving 1215 children from the Wielkopolska Region, Poland.
- Data collected in 1992 (pre-iodization), 2000, and 2005 (post-iodization).
- Measurements included thyroid ultrasound, urinary iodine, free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and antithyroid antibodies.
Main Results:
- A substantial decrease in goiter prevalence from 35.4% in 1992 to 6.3% in 2005.
- Significant increase in urinary iodine levels, indicating improved iodine intake.
- Observed changes in thyroid ultrasonography and an increase in antithyroid antibody titers.
Conclusions:
- Mandatory salt iodization proved highly effective in preventing iodine deficiency disorders, specifically goiter.
- Despite increased antithyroid antibody levels, the incidence of autoimmune thyroid disorders showed only a minor increase.
- Salt iodization is a successful public health intervention for improving thyroid health in pediatric populations.
Aim:
To determine the changes in thyroid pathology resulting from obligatory salt iodization in a group of children aged 8-12 years from the rural and urban areas of Wielkopolska Region, Poland.
Population And Methods:
The survey was conducted on 1215 children, of both sexes, 402 of whom were examined in 1992 (before salt iodization), 408 in 2000, and 405 in 2005 (after salt iodization beginning in 1996). Thyroid ultrasound, urinary iodine, FT4, FT3, TSH and antithyroid antibodies were measured.
Results:
A significant drop in goiter cases was observed (35.4% in 1992 vs 6.3% in 2005), coupled with a marked increase of urinary iodine. There were also changes in ultrasonography and elevated levels of antibodies.
Conclusions:
The study proves the high efficacy of iodine prophylaxis. Despite a growing number of children with elevated antithyroid antibody titers, only a slight increase of autoimmune thyroid disorders was observed.
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