Prevalence of Goiter and Urinary Iodine Content in Schoolchildren of Kerman (Iran) in ۲۰۰۱

Introduction: Kerman province was one of the Iran regions with endemic goiter. Following initiation of the program of iodine deficiency control in ۱۹۸۹, production, distribution and consumption of iodized salt were begun. This study was done in ۲۰۰۱, as part of the national monitoring survey, in Kerman. Method: In this study, ۱۲۰۰ schoolchildren, aged ۷-۱۰ years (۶۰۰ boys & ۶۰۰ girls), were selected randomly from all regions of Kerman and the grade of goiter was determined according to WHO classification. Urinary iodine content was estimated using the digestion method in one tenth of the subjects. Results: Total goiter rate was ۳۱.۶% (۲۸% in girls and ۳۵.۲% in boys). Median urinary iodine was ۱۵.۸ µg/dl. Urinary iodine was above ۱۰ g/dl in ۷۸.۶% and less than ۵ µg/dl in ۴.۵% of the subjects and no one had urinary iodine below ۲ µg/dl. Conclusion: It is concluded that the rate of goiter in Kerman has decreased significantly since ۱۹۹۶ and urinary iodine levels in schoolchildren are indicative of adequate iodine intake. Therefore, Kerman province can be considered as a “iodine deficiency free” zone.

Keywords:

Iodine deficiency , Urinary iodine , Goiter