Prevalence Of Iodine Deficiency Research Articles

Status of Thyroid Function among Patients of National Medical College and Teaching Hospital

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most common endocrinopathies after Diabetes Mellitus. Thyroid dysfunction is defined as the alteration in Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) with normal or abnormal thyroid hormones. Nepalese population have a high risk for thyroid dysfunction with a high prevalence of iodine deficiency.
 Objective: To study the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among the patients visiting National Medical College, Birgunj, Nepal for checkup and suggested to assess thyroid function.
 Materials and Methods: The hospital-based study was conducted in Central Laboratory, National Medical College and Teaching Hospital (NMCTH), Birgunj in collaboration with the Department of Biochemistry. Total 7040 patients visiting Central Laboratory for thyroid function assessment were included in the study between July 2017 to December 2019. The venous blood sample was collected and serum-free triiodothyronine(fT3), free tetraiodothyronine(fT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was estimated by Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA) method using Access 2 Beckman Coulter analyser. (Beckman Coulter Inc., California, USA).
 Results: Among 7040 subjects under study, 2138(30%) were found to have thyroid dysfunction with 13% having subclinical hypothyroidism, about 8% of overt hypothyroidism, about 4% with subclinical hyperthyroidism and 5% with overt hyperthyroidism. Majority of the thyroid dysfunction study group belonged to the 16-30 years age group followed by 31-45 years. Mean±SE for TSH, fT4 and fT3 levels show statistically significant differences in different thyroid disorders.
 Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism followed by overt hypothyroidism among the patients visiting National Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Birgunj, Nepal. A higher percentage of females were found to have thyroid dysfunction compared to male.

The Results of 16 Years of Iodization: Assessment of Iodine Deficiency Among School-age Children in Antalya, Turkey

Objective:Iodine deficiency (ID) continues to be a problem around the world. This study investigated the prevalence of ID and goiter among school-age children in the city center of Antalya, Turkey. The aim was to investigate the effect of an iodization program, which had been running for sixteen years, on nutritional iodine status in this population.Methods:A total of 1,594 school children, aged 6-14 years, were included in this cross-sectional study. ID was evaluated based on median [interquartile range (IQR)] urine iodine/creatine (UI/Cr) (μg/g) ratio and median (IQR) UI concentrations (UIC) (μg/L). UICs were measured using the Sandell-Kolthoff method. Goiter was determined by palpation and staged according to World Health Organization classification.Results:Median (IQR) UIC was found to be 174.69 (119.17-242.83) μg/L, and UIC was found to be lower than 50 μg/L in 6.5% of the population. The median UI/Cr ratio increased from 62.3 to 163.3 μg/g and goiter rates had decreased from 34% to 0.3% over the 16 years of the program. However, 19% were still classified as ID (mild, moderate or severe) and, furthermore, 11.5% were classified as excessive iodine intake.Conclusion:Comparison of two cross-sectional studies, carried out 16-years apart, showed that Antalya is no longer an ID region. However, surveillance should be continued and the percentage of ID and iodine excess individuals in the population should be monitored to avoid emerging problems.

Assessment of iodine deficiency disorder among school going children aged 5-10 years in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh: an observational cross sectional study

Background: Iodine deficiency (IDD) is the world’s most prevalent cause of brain damage. glaciations, flooding, rivers lead to deficiency of iodine in crops grown on iodine. Diet low in iodine can result in stillbirth and abortions and many more sequelae. Objectives of the research work were to study the prevalence of IDD amongst 6-12 years children by clinical examination and to determine the concentration of iodine in salt sample at consumer level. Also, to determine the urinary iodine excretion amongst 6-12 years age group children.Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in the government schools of Sagar district among school children of 6-12 years of age. Total 2700 school children from 30 villages were included using PPS sampling. Students were clinically examined and their urine samples were taken for MUIC estimation.Results: Prevalence of goiter was more in 10 to 11 years of age (14.07%) and less in 8 to 9 years age group (7.59%). Overall prevalence of goiter in district Sagar is 10.51%.Conclusions: Despite NIDDCP, there is still dearth of awareness among general public about the usage and storage of iodized salt which is the root cause of Iodine deficiency.

Assessing Cassava Flour Consumption Impact on Iodine Nutritional Status in Schoolchildren from Public Schools in Brazil.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important food source in many developing countries. This root contains cyanoglucosides, which can aggravate iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs). To analyze the impact of cassava flour consumption (CFC) on urinary iodine concentration (UIC) among schoolchildren from public schools in Bahia, Brazil. Cross-sectional study was conducted on 1231 schoolchildren (ages 6-14years old). Anthropometric parameters, household food insecurity, UIC, and CFC were evaluated. CFC prevalence was 90.8%. The mean UIC indicated adequate iodine nutrition in group A (CFC positive) and group B (CFC negative) (203.29 ± 81.08μg/L versus 225.98 ± 76.59μg/L, respectively). We found that daily cassava flour intake did not significantly raise the risk of iodine deficiency (ID) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.43 [confidence interval (CI) 0.72-2.82]; p = 0.29), nor did it significantly protect against excessive iodine intake (EII) (OR = 0.70[CI 0.39-1.26]; p = 0.24). The prevalence of iodine deficiency (ID) (12.6% versus 8.9%) and EII (9.6% versus 15%) did not significantly differ between both groups. The results of this study suggest that the cyanides present in cassava flour have very little influence on iodine metabolism, which is probably justified by cassava processing methods.

Reference Intervals of the Ratio of Urine Iodine to Creatinine in Pregnant Women in an Iodine-Replete Area of China.

The assessment method of iodine nutrition for pregnant women lacks strong evidence-based medicine. The prevalence of iodine deficiency in pregnant women may be overestimated using urinary iodine concentration (UIC). The reference intervals of UIC-to-urinary creatinine concentration ratio (UIC/UCr) were established using a self-sequential longitudinal study of pregnant women with singleton gestation who were recruited using the criteria of the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry in Dandong City, which is a long-term iodine-replete area. Nine thousand one hundred sixty-four pregnant women in the first trimester from Dalian City, Dandong City, and Shenyang City were included to verify our proposed reference intervals. UIC and concentrations of urinary creatinine, serum iodine, TSH, FT4, TPOAb, and TgAb were measured. The reference intervals of UIC/UCr were 38.63-489.46μg/g for the first trimester, 58.48-644.03μg/g for the second trimester, and 56.27-644.93μg/g for the third trimester. The prevalence of iodine deficiency was 49.50% using UIC as the indicator (< 150μg/L), while the prevalence was 3.28% using UIC/UCr (< 38.63μg/g). The prevalence of iodine excess was 3.21% using UIC as the indicator (> 500μg/L) while the prevalence was 1.45% using UIC/UCr (> 489.46μg/g). The highest prevalence of overt hypothyroidism and positive thyroid antibodies was in the group with UIC/UCr < 38.63μg/g. In contrast to the place of residence and age, BMI was an influencing factor for UIC/UCr. The reference intervals of UIC/UCr were established. UIC/UCr may eliminate the effect of urine volume and reflect the actual prevalence of iodine deficiency in pregnant women.

A Cross-sectional study assessing the Prevalence ofIodine Deficiency Disorders among school children aged6 to 12 years in Tumakuru district of Karnataka

Background Iodine deficiency disorders IDD constitute a major public health problem in India. Deficiency of iodine can cause physical and mental retardation cretinism abortions stillbirth deaf mutism squint amp various types of goitre. Methodology A community ndash based cross section survey was undertaken during the February-March 2019 in Tumakuru district of Karnataka to find out prevalence of goitre estimate urinary iodine excretion in 6-12 years old school children and household salt iodine concentrations. 2875 school children aged 6-12 years were examined for goitre. Urine samples of 270 childrenwere collected for estimation of urinary iodine using Sandell-Kolthoff method. Household salt samples of the 540 selected children from schools were analyzed for its iodine content by standard iodometric titration method. Results The overall prevalence of Goitre was found to be 9.5 among children examined. The median urinary iodine excretion UIE was 104 mugL. All the household salt samples were adequately iodized having Iodine content of gt15ppm. Conclusion Considering prevalence of goitre in 6-12 years children Tumakuru district is lsquoendemicrsquo for IDD. But as inferred from median UIE obtained IDD is not a public health problem of significance. Household level salt is adequately iodized as per NIDDCP recommendations

A systematic review of iodine deficiency among women in the UK.

The present study reviewed the literature on iodine status among women of childbearing age and pregnant women in the UK. Particular attention was given to study quality and methods used to assess iodine status. A systematic review was conducted to examine the literature and critically evaluate study design. Studies were identified in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Ovid MEDLINE databases, as well as from secondary references. Women of childbearing age or pregnant, living in the UK. Fifty-seven articles were identified and twelve articles were selected, including a total of 5283 women. Nine studies conducted urinary iodine assessments, three studies conducted dietary assessments only, and seven studies classified their target population as iodine deficient according to WHO criteria. No single study from the selected articles could produce nationally representative results regarding the prevalence of iodine deficiency among the female population in the UK. Consideration of the evidence as a whole suggests that women of childbearing age and pregnant women in the UK are generally iodine insufficient. Further large-scale research is required for more accurate and reliable evidence on iodine status in the UK.

Micronutrient Status in Sri Lanka: A Review.

Micronutrients include vitamins, minerals and, trace elements that are required in minute quantities but play a vital role in normal human growth, development and physiological functioning. Micronutrient deficiencies, also known as hidden hunger, are a global issue, with particularly high prevalence rates in developing countries. Currently, Sri Lanka is experiencing the double burden of over- and undernutrition. This review describes the micronutrient status of Sri Lanka based on results of national surveys and related articles published from 2000. The available data suggest a higher prevalence of iron, zinc, calcium, folate, and vitamin A deficiencies. The prevalence of iodine deficiency has declined gradually following the implementation of a universal salt iodization program. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia and low red blood cell indices. Females are more vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies than males. The coexistence of multiple micronutrient deficiencies and concurrent macro- and micronutrient deficiencies is common. Studies have shown an association between micronutrient deficiencies and different demographic, socioeconomic, and dietary factors. Therefore, there is a need for comprehensive studies, nutritional policies, and nationwide intervention programs in Sri Lanka to improve the micronutrient status of the population.

Related Factors with School Age Children’s Iodine Status in Indonesia

Background: The prevalence of iodine deficiency as the cause of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) in children in Indonesia increased from 12,9% in 2007 become 14,9% in 2013. The assessment of IDD is by iodine status via measuring Urine Iodine Excretion (UIE) and level of iodine salt. Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between children’s characteristics, social economic characteristics of parents, and level of iodine in salt with iodine status in school age children in Indonesia. Methods: The research design of this study was secondary data analysis. This study used data of Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) 2013. Data were analyzed by chi square, eta, and spearman correlation test. Results: The research showed that factor that there was a significant correlation with iodine status in school age children in Indonesia are children’s gender (p = 0,01), father’s education (p = 0,01; r = 0,09), mother’s education (p = 0,01; r = 0,11), father’s occupation (p = 0,01; r = 0,12), mother’s occupation (p = 0,01; r = 0,09), and level of iodine in salt (p = 0,01). Children’s age was no significant correlation with iodine status in school age children (p = 0,81). Conclusion: There was a correlation between children’s gender, social economic characteristics of parents, and level of iodine in salt with iodine status in school age children in Indonesia.

High Iodine Deficiency among Pregnant Women in Periurban Ghana: A Hospital-Based Longitudinal Study.

Background Iodine deficiency causes maternal hypothyroidism which can lead to growth, cognitive, and psychomotor deficit in neonates, infants, and children. This study examined the iodine status of pregnant women in a periurban setting in Ghana. Methods This longitudinal study recruited 125 pregnant women by purposeful convenience sampling from the antenatal clinic of the Sefwi Wiawso municipal hospital in Ghana. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was estimated by the ammonium persulfate method at an estimated gestational age (EGA) of 11, 20, and 32 weeks. Demographic information, iodized salt usage, and other clinical information were collected using a questionnaire. Results The prevalence of iodine deficiency among the pregnant women was 47.2% at EGA 11 and 60.8% at both EGA of 20 and 32, whereas only 0.8% of participants not using iodized salt had iodine sufficiency at EGA 32. 18.4%, 20%, and 24% of participants using iodized salt had iodine sufficiency at EGA 11, 20, and 32, respectively. Conclusion A high prevalence of iodine deficiency was observed among our study cohort.

Medico-social effectiveness of biological monitoring of iodine deficiency status (IDS) among women of reproductive age in Kazakhstan.

Iodine deficiency is one of the most important public health problems in the world. It mostly affects pregnant women and children. The lack of iodine leads to an increase in the numbers of perinatal mortality and mental retardation. In 2012-2014, a survey was carried out of 2,342 women, of whom 2284 were analyzed for salt to measure the content of iodine, and 2,242 women of reproductive age had their urine samples analyzed by the cerium-arsenite method based on the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. Determination of the medical and social effectiveness of biological monitoring of IDS was carried out in 3 stages. The study revealed that in the eastern Kazakhstan region the relative risk (RR) of overall prevalence of iodine deficiency among women was 1.1 times higher (95% ID: 0.35-3.61; Z statistic = 0.192) among household respondents (≤15mkg/kg). In the Pavlodar region, the RR of the prevalence of total iodine deficiency is 0.5 times higher in households where the salt was not sufficiently iodized. In the Zhambyl region the RR of the iodine deficiency prevalence was about twice as high due to insufficient iodized salt. The introduction of biological monitoring of IDS among women, especially pregnant women, may positively affect the detection of the risk limits for the birth of infants with reduced mental abilities or other diseases during pregnancy, using timely targeted preventive measures to exclude factors that affect the spread of IDS.

Urinary iodine concentration and thyroid volume of pregnant women attending antenatal care in two selected hospitals in Ashanti Region, Ghana: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundIodine deficiency is a major public health problem affecting people worldwide, particularly pregnant women. Iodine requirements increase substantially during pregnancy making pregnant women vulnerable to iodine deficiency and its disorders such as abortions, stillbirths and pregnancy goitre as well as congenital abnormalities, cretinism and mental retardation in their children. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of iodine deficiency and goitre among pregnant women attending antenatal sessions at two selected hospitals in Ashanti region, Ghana.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in 239 pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Hospital or Ejura District Hospital, both in Ashanti Region, Ghana. Socio-demographic data and information related to iodine were captured using a questionnaire. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was determined on spot urine samples using the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction with ammonium persulfate as digesting agent. Each woman’s thyroid volume was also measured by ultrasonography.ResultsThe overall median UIC was 155.9 μg/L, indicating adequate iodine intake in the study population. However, goitre prevalence in the pregnant women was 11.3%, denoting mild iodine deficiency. The median UIC for pregnant women who attended KNUST Hospital was higher (163.8 μg/L) than that of Ejura District Hospital (149.0 μg/L). The proportion of women who did not consume iodised salt was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in Ejura District Hospital (71.2%) than KNUST Hospital (28.0%). In total, 47.3% of the pregnant women studied had a UIC < 150 μg/L. Only 16.3% knew about the increase in iodine requirement during pregnancy and 21.3% of them had knowledge of the effects of iodine deficiency during pregnancy with most (81.8%) knowing of pregnancy goitre.ConclusionThere is generally adequate iodine intake among the pregnant women, however, iodine deficiency and goitre still exist among some pregnant women. Thus, assessment and continuous monitoring of iodine nutritional status in pregnant women in the country are warranted. Also, intensification of effective public health campaigns (through radio and television) with regard to iodine utilization and its benefits in pregnancy are still recommended among Ghanaian pregnant women.

CORRECTION OF IODINE DEFICIENCY STATES AND DYNAMIC MODELING OF POSITIVE DYNAMICS OF INDICATORS OF THYROID FUNCTIONS BY SUPPLEMENTATION

The problem of iodine deficiency diseases (IDD) is recognized as relevant due to the significant prevalence of iodine deficiency among the population of many countries of the world, an increase in the incidence of diseases with a wide range of clinical manifestations and a marked tendency to increase the frequency and severity of IDD among children of all age groups We carried out a clinical-anamnestic examination of the child's contingent (187 persons) aged 13–17 years living in an ecologically dependent biogeochemical endemic zone of iodine deficiency, the mountain region of the Zakarpattya region during the period from 2014 to 2015. To identify the pathology of the thyroid gland, a palpatory method of examination was used according to the methodology of the WHO / MRKIDZ, 2001. According to our data 80 pupils (42.8 %) had increased thyroid gland of 1 degree, they were allocated for further and detailed examination and identification of environmentally caused somatic effects. Preventive measures included taking the dietary supplement Yosen, the manufacturer of TOV “OmniFarm”, TU U 10.8-35758392-004: 2014 for 6 months. A statistical model for forecasting the dynamics of TSH with supplements with iodine and selenium has been developed. According to our data, the degree of positive changes (decrease of TSH, increase of T4) with supplements with iodine and selenium depends on the starting content of the microelement of iodine in plasma and / or urine: the lower is the initial level of iodine - the more pronounced is the effect of supplements.

Urinary iodine concentration and thyroid hormones: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2015.

An epidemiologic study that evaluated population's iodine nutrition status and its relationship with thyroid hormones is lacking in iodine-sufficient area. This nationwide study aimed to evaluate the iodine nutrition status in Korea and relationship between urine iodine concentration (UIC) and thyroid hormones. A total of 8318 subjects of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI (2013-2015) with UIC and thyroid hormone evaluation were included. Median UIC level and estimated 24-h iodine intake were calculated. The prevalence of iodine deficiency or excess was obtained using estimated average requirement or above the tolerable upper intake level cut-point method by estimated iodine intake. We analyzed UIC with regard to age, sex, social economic status, and geographic characteristics. The median UIC in general population and estimated iodine intake in adult population were 293.9μg/L (above requirement according to World Health Organization classification) and 249.3μg/day, respectively. The prevalence of iodine deficiency and excess was 14.0 and 13.4%. The median UIC was higher among SAC [511 (299.9-948.5)] and lower among seventies [251.2 (98.9-761.6)] compared to other age groups. The median UIC increased with household income level (p for trend < 0.001). The subjects living in rural and inland region had lowest UIC among the enrolled subjects. The subgroups with higher median UIC were associated with higher mean TSH levels. This first nationwide study in Korea demonstrated that the median of UIC and estimated iodine intake lie at nearly 300µg/L and 250µg/day, respectively, which shows an overall excellent iodine nutrition.

Prevalence of iodine deficiency among school children and access to iodized salt in Zambia

This study, which covered all the ten provinces of Zambia, aimed at assessing the Iodine Deficiency prevalence, and access to adequately iodised salt in the country. It was carried out in 2011 and entailed determining the urinary iodine concentration (UIC) among 1, 283 school children from 30 selected schools and the amount of iodine in 875 salt samples collected from the households of the children. The iodine concentration was also determined in salt samples collected from 365 salt traders near the selected schools. Each of the salt traders was requested to complete a questionnaire. In addition, a questionnaire was administered to 75 teachers from the selected schools. The Urinary Iodine Concentration (UIC) was assayed by the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction, after digesting the urine with Ammonium Persulfate at 100oC. The iodine concentration in the salt was determined using the quantitative titrimetric method. The data for the UIC and salt iodine plus data from questionnaires were analysed using Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 15 (SPSS 15). The median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) was 248.5μg/l and the Interquartile Range (IQR) was 145 – 380 μg/L. These results indicated that Iodine Deficiency was not of public health concern among children in Zambia at the time of this study. However, the proportion of households with access to adequately iodised salt (15-40 ppm iodine) was 53%, which is below the recommended target of 90% or more household coverage. Results from questionnaires indicated that the challenges faced by the Zambian Government in attaining Universal Salt Iodisation (USI) include: (i) lack of sustainability of local salt iodisation in local salt producing areas, (ii) weak enforcement of the law on salt iodisation, (iii) poor packaging and storage of salt by traders and households, (iv) limited knowledge of the link between lack of iodine in salt and iodine deficiency, and (v) relatively high cost of imported iodised salt in local salt producing areas. Keywords: Iodized, Salt, Iodine Deficiency, Universal Salt Iodisation, Zambia

Socio-economic and spatial correlates of subclinical iodine deficiency among pregnant women age 15\u201349 years in Tanzania

BackgroundIodine deficiency is a widespread global health problem that affects about 2 billion people each year. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to iodine deficiency due to increased iodine requirement leading to death, miscarriage, and stillbirth. Iodine deficiency also has significant negative effects on newborns including impaired cognitive development, impaired learning capabilities, and stunting. This study looks at the association between subclinical iodine deficiency and demographic factors including age, wealth index, education, family size, geographical zone, number of children, fish consumption, pregnancy trimester and household salt in pregnant women aged 15–49 years in Tanzania.MethodsThe 2010 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) data was re analysed. Subclinical iodine deficiency is classified as a urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of <150 μg/L.ResultsResults showed that the prevalence of iodine deficiency (54%) was unacceptably high among pregnant women. The results of multiple logistic regression model found that number of children, wealth index, household salt, and geographical zone were significantly associated with iodine deficiency in these women.ConclusionThese results indicate a need to implement interventions to increase iodine intake that targets pregnant women with the specific demographic characteristics.

Prevalence of iodine deficiency among multinodular goiter patients: a South Indian study

Background: Mass iodization of table salt was introduced by the Government of India to treat as well as prevent iodine deficiency problems including goitres. However, even after so many years of introduction of iodized salt, the number of patients reporting with multi nodular goiter to the hospitals in Kerala seems to be high. The coastal districts of Trivandrum and Kollam report especially high prevalence of goitres and subsequently thyroidectomies. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of iodine deficiency among patients with multi nodular goiter in South Kerala.Methods: This was a cross sectional study of 300 patients admitted with multinodular goitre in the general surgical wards of Government Medical College Trivandrum, Kerala, India. From June 2013 to June 2014, these patients were evaluated clinically and with the investigatory facilities available at this institution. Their urine spot iodine excretion levels were measured at the laboratory of state iodine deficiency control cell, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.Results: Out of the 300 cases, 6 patients were found to have mild iodine deficiency. Mean iodine level was normal at 170 microgram per decilitre. The prevalence of iodine deficiency in multinodular goiter cases studied was found to be 2%.Conclusions: The high prevalence of multinodular goiter cases in Kerala cannot be sited per se as due to iodine deficiency as only 2% of the total number of cases studied had low urine iodine levels. This raises a question whether the salt iodization programme needs to be re-analyzed and possibly re-structured for the state of Kerala.

Biochemical iodine deficiency in selected schools of aligarh.

The goiter prevalence reflects the iodine deficiency in past while urinary iodine excretion levels (UIEL) gives the current status of iodine nutrition. The study was conducted to assess the status of biochemical iodine deficiency in school children of 1st-5th standard (6-12 years). A total of 907 students of seven schools were included using probability proportional to size method. About 10% of urine samples from total children were tested for UIEL. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20 (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). UIEL values lower than 100 μg/L were observed in 23.3% of samples. The proportion of children with UIEL of <20 μg/L was nil in 6 years. Out of 13 students who were consuming salt with nil iodine content, 46.2% had <20 μg/L UIEL. The prevalence of iodine deficiency, calculated by the proportion of children having UIEL of <100 μg/L, was 23.3%. Based on UIEL values, the area would be categorized as having "no biochemical iodine deficiency."

Assessment of Nutritional Status of Iodine Through Urinary Iodine Screening Among Local Children and Adolescents After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident.

Iodine deficiency is an important modifier of the risk of thyroid cancer following irradiation. However, little information is available on the prevalence of iodine deficiency in Fukushima and its surroundings after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident that occurred in March 2011. In order to assess urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) and the prevalence of iodine deficiency and to elucidate any associations between demographic characteristics and UIC levels among children and adolescents aged ≤18 years at the time of the accident in Fukushima Prefecture and its surroundings, the data on voluntary UIC testing conducted by Hirata Central Hospital, Fukushima, were evaluated. A total of 4410 children and adolescents with a median age of 10 years at examination underwent UIC testing between October 2012 and October 2015. Calculated for all the participants, the median UIC level was 204 μg/L (range 25-21,100 μg/L). There were 133 (3.0%), 732 (16.6%), and 1472 (33.4%) participants with UIC levels of <50, <100, or ≥300 μg/L, respectively. Based on the World Health Organization criteria for nutritional iodine status, no participants were severely iodine deficient (<20 μg/L), but 16.6% of the population were mildly (50-100 μg/L) or moderately (20-50 μg/L) iodine deficient. While no significant difference in UIC was noted between those who did and did not increase dietary iodine intake after the accident (p = 0.93), there were significant differences by year (p < 0.01), school level (p < 0.001), and residential area at the time of the accident (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that the children and adolescents examined had a sufficient amount of iodine during the period 1.5-4.5 years after the nuclear accident. In addition to the differences in the scale and the countermeasures undertaken between the Fukushima and Chernobyl accidents, differences in dietary iodine intake might have played an additional role in resulting in the reportedly different radiation doses to the thyroid between the two nuclear accidents.

A Community Based Survey on Prevalence of Iodine Deficiency among Pregnant Women in a Municipality Area of West Bengal, India

A Community Based Survey on Prevalence of Iodine Deficiency among Pregnant Women in a Municipality Area of West Bengal, India