The role of thyroid autoantibodies in the etiology of endemic goiter in schoolchildren of Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Eleven years after the initiation of universal salt iodization program in Iran, the prevalence of goiter is still high in some areas.

AIM:

To investigate the role of thyroid autoimmunity in the etiology of residual goiter in schoolchildren of Isfahan, Iran.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

In a cross-sectional study, 2331 schoolchildren were selected by multi-stage random cluster sampling. Thyroid size was estimated in each child by inspection and palpation. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC), serum anti-thyroperoxidase antibody (anti-TPO Ab), and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (Anti-Tg Ab) were measured.

RESULTS:

Overall, 32.9% of children had goiter. The median UIC was 1955.5 microg/dl. There was significant difference in prevalence of positive anti-TPO Ab in goitrous (grade 2) and non-goitrous children (9.7 vs 3.7%, p= 0.02). Goitrous children had higher prevalence of positive anti-Tg Ab than non-goitrous ones (15.1 vs 3.1%, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

According to the present study, goiter is still a public health problem in this region. This study suggests that thyroid autoimmunity is among the contributors of goiter persistence after elimination of iodine deficiency in Isfahan.

• Authors: N Khalili, M Hashemipour, A H Keshteli, M Siavash, M Amini
• Journal: Journal of endocrinological investigation (J Endocrinol Invest) Vol. 32 Issue 11 Pg. 899-902 (Dec 2009) ISSN: 1720-8386 [Electronic] Italy
• PMID: 19494708 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Autoantibodies
• Sodium Chloride, Dietary
• anti-thyroglobulin
• iodized salt
• Iodine
• Iodide Peroxidase

Topics

• Adolescent
• Autoantibodies (blood)
• Autoimmune Diseases (epidemiology)
• Child
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Female
• Goiter, Endemic (epidemiology, etiology, immunology)
• Humans
• Iodide Peroxidase (immunology)
• Iodine (therapeutic use, urine)
• Iran (epidemiology)
• Male
• Prevalence
• Sodium Chloride, Dietary (therapeutic use)
• Thyroid Gland (immunology, pathology)