Thyroid volume and morphology and urinary iodine excretion in a Danish municipality

Abstract

In order to throw light upon the eventual need for iodine supplementation in Denmark, four age groups of women (15, 30, 45 and 60 years) from the Holbaek municipality were invited for a clinical and ultrasound study of thyroid volume, structure and function. Of the 570 women invited, 391 accepted and were divided into the following groups: group I: 15 years, N= 113; group II: 30 years, N= 100; group III: 45 years, N=98; group IV: 60 years, N=80. The results were as follows: the thyroid gland was palpable in 39% and visible in 16% of the entire group; 19% had a family history of thyroid disorders and 7.6% had a previous thyroid disorder. Thyroid volumes (median (range)) as measured by ultrasound were 12 ml (4\p=n-\29ml), 18 ml (5\p=n-\47ml), 18 ml (7\p=n-\64 ml) and 18 ml (9-51 ml) in groups I \ p=n-\ IV, respectively. The calculated 24-h iodine excretion was 65 \g=m\g(19\p=n-\365\g=m\g),88 \g=m\g(15-274 \ g=m\ g), 97 \ g=m\ g(40\p=n-\737\g=m\g) and 83 \g=m\g(50\p=n-\999\g=m\g) in groups I\p=n-\IV,respectively. An abnormal echo structure was present in 3, 10, 21 and 30%, respectively. Defining a goitre as a thyroid volume above 28 ml indicated a goitre prevalence of 17% in females aged 30\p=n-\60years in the Holbaek area of Denmark. Among the 60-year-old women, 3% had a clinically significant goitre (WHO grade III). Thyroid volume did not correlate with iodine excretion. The benefit of iodine supplementation is discussed. Birte Nygaard, Hedebyvej 3, 3650 01stykke, Denmark

Thyroid structure and size and two-year follow-up of solitary cold thyroid nodules in an unselected population with borderline iodine deficiency

“…Previous studies from areas with different iodine status using ultrasonography as screening in an epidemiological set-up have found nodule prevalences from 4% (1) to 21% (12). The tendency is an increased prevalence of nodules in iodine-deficient populations, but this is not a constant phenomenon (5,14,15,(20)(21)(22). Comparisons of investigations made by different investigators should be done with great care, as classifications are different, the equipment has been improved, and ultrasonography is a subjective procedure.…”

“…Even in areas with borderline iodine deficiency, the prevalence of nodular goitre in particular seems high (5,6). The minimal level of iodine intake sufficient to prevent or minimize the development of nodular goitre has not been established.…”

Iodine-induced goitre and high prevalence of anaemia among Saharawi refugee women

“…Larger Tvol has been found in areas with both iodine deficiency (38)(39)(40)(41)(42) and iodine excess (28,29,43) . Iodine-induced goitre due to iodine-rich drinking water has been found in China (43) .…”

Iodine content in drinking water and other beverages in Denmark

“…The iodine intake in Denmark is marginal (Andersen et al, 1996;Haas et al, 1988;Munkner, 1969;Nygaard et al, 1993). The overall picture is that moderate iodine de®-ciency exists in the western part of the country (Jutland) with average iodine intake levels of 50±70 mgad (Munkner, 1969;Pedersen et al, 1995) and mild iodine de®ciency exists in the eastern part of the country (with Copenhagen) with intake levels of 80±100 mgad (Munkner, 1969;Nygaard et al, 1993).…”

“…The overall picture is that moderate iodine de®-ciency exists in the western part of the country (Jutland) with average iodine intake levels of 50±70 mgad (Munkner, 1969;Pedersen et al, 1995) and mild iodine de®ciency exists in the eastern part of the country (with Copenhagen) with intake levels of 80±100 mgad (Munkner, 1969;Nygaard et al, 1993). These levels of intake have to be compared with the recommended intake of 150 mgad (Sandstro Èm et al, 1996).…”