Studies on goiter occurrence and iodine deficiency in Lublin Upland (Lublin coordinating center)

Questionnaire, clinical, ultrasonographic and biochemical studies (determination of urinary iodine concentration) have been carried out in 1686 children of age between 7 and 13 years living in the Lublin Upland region. The presence of goiter was found in 368 children (21.8%). A gradual increase in the incidence of goiter with age of children was observed. Ultrasonographic examinations carried out in children with goiter and in those without goiter detectable by physical examination revealed considerable variation in the volume of the thyroid there was an increase in the thyroid volume with age both in rural and urban children. The values of urinary iodine concentration were lowered; mean value in children without goiter was 56.8 micrograms/l, and in children with goiter 52.6 micrograms/l. The query concerning the consumption of iodized salt revealed that only 22.6% of the families studied use iodized salt.