_____________________________________________________________________________ Abstract BackgroundIodine supplementation with salt as a carrier was introduced in Sri Lanka in 1995. Literature from elsewhere suggest that there is an increase in hyperthyroidism after the initiation of such programmes. Objectives To identify weather iodination precipitated an exacerbation of hyperthyroidism in the Central Province of Sri Lanka Methods Four-hundred-and-eight consecutive patients with hyperthyroidism seen over a period of thirty one years in a General Surgical Clinic at Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya were reviewed. ResultsThe prevalence of secondary hyperthyroidism increased after iodination. No change in the demography and presentation of simple diffuse toxic goiter was observed. Conclusions Physicians must be aware of this increased incidence of hyperthyroidism after iodination and need to be vigilant of the need to control it, in view of its complications.

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