Goitre prevalence in indigenous population of Evenkia

Representatives of indigenous northern peoples (the Evenks and the Kets) living in a large Siberian territory named Evenkia were studied. There were children 6-14 years of age and adults aged 18-45 years. Thyroid volumes were determined by ultrasound. Iodine excretion was estimated. Normal thyroid volumes were found in 27.5% of the children. A high prevalence of goitre was detected in the adults. 55.4% of the women and 29.1% of the men had thyroid volumes above normal upper limits. Nodular goitres were found in 10.8% of the adults. 58.8% of the subjects had urinary iodine excretion below 10 micrograms/dl. Data show that the territory of Evenkia, settled by northern aborigines, is iodine deficient. The usage of the iodinated salt is ineffective. The preservation of the iodine content in salt remains the main problem in this area. In addition, some other goitrogenic agents may contribute to the high goitre prevalence in the indigenous population in Evenkia.