Abstract
Background : Iodine supplementation with salt as a carrier was introduced in Sri Lanka in 1995. Literature from elsewhere suggest that there is an increase in hyperthyroidism after the initiation of such programmes. Objectives : To identify weather iodination precipitated an exacerbation of hyperthyroidism in the Central Province of Sri Lanka Methods : Four-hundred-and-eight consecutive patients with hyperthyroidism seen over a period of thirty one years in a General Surgical Clinic at Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya were reviewed. Results : The prevalence of secondary hyperthyroidism increased after iodination. No change in the demography and presentation of simple diffuse toxic goiter was observed. Conclusions : Physicians must be aware of this increased incidence of hyperthyroidism after iodination and need to be vigilant of the need to control it, in view of its complications.
Highlights
Iodination is considered the best therapeutic option in regions endemic for iodine deficiency goiter
The aim of the study was to determine if there was an increase in the prevalence of hyperthyroidism after iodination, as has been reported in other international series 4,5
Clinical hyperthyroidism was detected in 408 patients presenting to the General Surgical Clinic (GSC)
Summary
Iodination is considered the best therapeutic option in regions endemic for iodine deficiency goiter. A program of iodine supplementation using salt as the carrier was instituted in Sri Lanka in 1995. Such programs are usually monitored carefully for their effects over a period of time. The Sri Lankan program has been evaluated five yearly on three occasions[1,2,3]. The evaluation has been mainly on the availability and the composition of iodized salt, the biochemical effects of iodination on urine and the regression of the goiter. We wish to present another concern brought about by iodination, namely the changes to thyroid function by making iodine available to “iodine hungry goiters”. The aim of the study was to determine if there was an increase in the prevalence of hyperthyroidism after iodination, as has been reported in other international series 4,5
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