[Renal iodine excretion by students in East Germany. A prospective study 1989 to 1996].

AIM

A prospective longitudinal study was performed from 1989 to 1996 in order to check the effectiveness of prophylactic measures in Germany.

TEST PERSONS AND METHODS

In 3 periods the urinary iodine excretion was examined in 1849 adolescents from 2 regions (north, south) of former Eastern Germany.

RESULTS

The consumption of iodized salt has increased substantially since 1994. This coincides with an increase in urinary iodine excretion. The median iodine excretion found in 1989/92 (n = 744) was 39.0 micrograms/g creatinine (4.7 micrograms/dl), in 1994 (n = 123) 60.1 micrograms/g creatinine (6.0 micrograms/dl), and in 1995/96 (n = 982) 101.1 micrograms/g creatinine (9.8 micrograms/dl). However, the concentration was < 5.0 micrograms in 27.8% and < 10.0 micrograms iodine/dl in 58.0%. Regional differences were not found.

CONCLUSION

The iodine supply has been improved. However, the declared targets have not yet been met. The findings show that effective goitre prophylaxis can still be achieved while maintaining the voluntary principle.