Iodine is the essential constituent of
thyroid hormones.
Iodine deficiency disorders, ranging from
endemic goiter to
cretinism, result from low dietary intake of
iodine. The fetus and the newborn are more sensitive than adults to a reduced environmental
iodine supply, and in
iodine-deficient areas, transient neonatal
hypothyroidism is frequently observed. This transient thyroid failure may be associated with neonatal
goiter. Border-line elevated neonatal TSH levels frequently occur in
iodine deficient areas, and result in a higher recalling rate in the screening for
congenital hypothyroidism.
Iodine prophylaxis is highly effective in preventing the development of
iodine deficiency disorders including transient neonatal
hypothyroidism. Since
iodine prophylaxis in Italy is inadequate, variable degrees of
iodine deficiency are still present all-over the Country, and are responsible of a higher incidence of transient neonatal
hypothyroidism or hyperthyrotropinemia. Educational programs for the general population, health professionals, and decision makers are essential for a successful
iodine prophylaxis. Elimination of
iodine deficiency by the year 2000 has been recently pledged by WHO/UNICEF. This goal is feasible if pursued with sufficient vigor and resources.