[Prevalence of goiter in school-age children in the Pirque Zone. Effects of salt iodination].

BACKGROUND

Twenty years ago, Pirque was a zone with a goiter prevalence of 39%.

AIM

To assess the effects of salt iodination on the prevalence of goiter in school-age children of this zone.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

School age children from four public schools in Pirque were examined, following WHO criteria for the diagnosis of goiter. Urinary iodine excretion was also measured.

RESULTS

Five hundred ninety one males and 298 females aged 12.1 +/- 2.5 years were examined. Fifty seven children (9.6%) bad goiter. In 53 the goiter was grade I and in 4, grade II. No sex differences were observed. Minimal and median urinary iodine excretion values were 12.6 and 57.6 micrograms/dl respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Goiter prevalence dropped from 39 to 10%. The fact that iodine intake is over minimal recommendations, underscores the effectiveness of salt iodination.