Prevention of iodine deficiency disorders by oral administration of lipiodol during pregnancy

Abstract

The prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders and the thyroid status of the population were studied in an endemic goitre area in Algeria. After oral administration of lipiodol (0.5 ml), three treated groups of mother-newborn couples were compared to an untreated group: group A, mothers treated 1-3 months before conception; group B, mothers treated during the first month of pregnancy; group C, mothers treated during the third month of pregnancy. Untreated mothers were used as a control (group D). After lipiodol treatment, all newborn babies and mothers were clinically euthyroid. All tested newborn babies were full term and no goitre was observed in the four groups. In the mothers, goitre prevalence and thyrotrophin levels decreased significantly, whereas maternal milk and urinary iodine and serum-free thyroxine levels were significantly higher after treatment. The rate of prematurity, stillbirths and abortions in the treated groups was reduced when compared to the untreated group, whereas placental and birth weights were significantly higher. In group D two cases of neonatal hypothyroidism were detected. Their re-evaluation confirmed that hypothyroidism was transient. Groups A, B and C were statistically different from group D with regard to neonatal thyrotrophin and thyroxine. Positive correlations were found between neonatal thyroxine and birth weights and placental weights on the one hand, and maternal urinary iodine and free thyroxine on the other. Consequently, these data indicate that oral administration of lipiodol before or during the first trimester of pregnancy normalizes thyroid function in newborn babies and mothers, increases placental and birth weight and reduces the frequency of iodine deficiency disorders.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

2017 Guidelines of the American Thyroid Association for the Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy and the Postpartum

“…The prevalence of cretinisim and other severe neurological abnormalities is significantly reduced (150). Maternal iodine supplementation in severely iodine-deficient areas also decreases rates of stillbirth and neonatal and infant mortality (151,152).…”

Seasonality in urinary and household salt iodine content among pregnant and lactating women of the plains of Nepal

“…The lactating mammary gland sequesters plasma inorganic iodide (Brown-Grant, 1961), and iodine is secreted in breastmilk in concentrations comparable to those found in urine (Pedersen et al, 1993;Chaouki & Benmiloud, 1994;Smyth et al, 1997;Pongpaew et al, 1999). Therefore, an increased intake of iodine during lactation compared to the nonpregnant, nonlactating state would be required to sustain UI concentrations.…”

“…Iodine deficiency during pregnancy appears to increase the risk of abortion, stillbirth, low birth weight, and infant mortality (Pharoah et al, 1971;Pharoah, 1972;Chaouki & Benmiloud, 1994;Cobra et al, 1997;Dillon & Milliez, 2000) and can lead to cretinism in infants exposed to severe iodine deficiency in utero. Stunted growth and neuromotor, intellectual, behavioral and cognitive impairment have been described in children whose mothers were moderately to severely iodine deficient during pregnancy (Pharoah & Connolly, 1987;Fierro-Benitez et al, 1988;Azizi et al, 1995).…”

The impact of iodised salt or iodine supplements on iodine status during pregnancy, lactation and infancy

“…There was no difference in the prevalence of anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg-Ab) or TPO-Ab, and no differences between groups in the prevalence or severity of post-partum thyroid dysfunction (PPTD), defined as an abnormal TSH concentration in the ). 53 However, there were no differences between groups in the concentration of maternal fT 4 , fT 3 , TSH and Tg or in thyroid volume, and no differences in the prevalence of TPO-Ab, Tg-Ab or PPTD.…”