The prevalence of iodine deficiency, serum thyroglobulin, anti-thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase antibody levels in the urban areas of Kayseri, Central Anatolia.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of goitre and urinary iodine excretion (UIE) indicate endemic iodine deficiency (ID) in a population. Previous studies have shown that Kayseri is one of the most iodine-deficient areas in Turkey. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of goitre, evaluate the degree of ID, its effects on thyroid functions and volume of subjects living in wide outer skirts of the old volcano Erciyes, at 1655 m and 1350 m altitudes.

METHODS

UIE was determined in 209 school-age children (SAC) aged between 10 and 14 years and in 183 adults. Thyroid volume (TV) of subjects was performed used by both palpation and ultrasonography (USG). In addition, serum free tri-iodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), anti-Tg and anti thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody levels were measured.

RESULTS

The prevalence of goitre according to palpation and USG among SAC was found as 50.7 and 58.4% respectively, as 65.0 and 57.9% among adults. Although mean UIC of whole subjects was 30+/-34 microg/l indicated moderate iodine (I) deficiency, 55.4% of the subjects' UIE was <20 microg/l. While the serum fT3, TSH, anti-TPO, Tg levels, body mass index (BMI), TV of SAC and adults (except BMI) with goitre were higher than those of without goitre, serum fT4 and UIE were lower than those of without goitre.

CONCLUSIONS

The population living in two areas was exposed to consequences of severe and moderate ID and also endemic goitre due to geographical characteristics of the area. A plan of action including sufficient I intake of people should be planned and be implemented effectively.