[Endemic goiter in Austria. Is iodine deficiency the primary cause of goiter?].

Abstract

In spite of government-regulated iodide admixture to table salt, the incidence of goiter is still high in Austria. Iodine excretion and thyroid function were therefore investigated in 80 patients suffering from ordinary goiter in whom thyroid size and resulting symptoms had increased lately. 25 euthyroid non-goitrous subjects served as controls. 48% of the goitrous patients investigated presented with iodine excretion of less than 70 micrograms/24 h, suggesting an insufficient iodine supply. Thyroid I131 uptake, basal and TRH-stimulated plasma TSH concentrations, and serum T3 levels were higher, whereas serum T4 levels were lower in these patients than in goitrous patients with higher iodine excretion and non-goitrous controls. Iodine deficiency thus appears to be of pathogenetic relevance in about half of the goitrous Austrian population. Other factors enhancing goiter development seem to assume particular importance in goitrous patients with a sufficient iodine supply.

• Authors: B Grubeck-Loebenstein, K Kletter, A Kiss, H Vierhapper, W Waldhäusl
• Journal: Schweizerische medizinische Wochenschrift (Schweiz Med Wochenschr) Vol. 112 Issue 44 Pg. 1526-30 (Oct 30 1982) ISSN: 0036-7672 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Endemische Struma in Osterreich. Ist Jodmangel die primäre Kropfursache?
• PMID: 7156942 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Iodine Radioisotopes
• Iodine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Austria
• Female
• Goiter, Endemic (etiology)
• Humans
• Iodine (blood, deficiency)
• Iodine Radioisotopes
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Thyroid Function Tests