[Surveys on the conditions of Keshan disease and selenium levels of 15 counties in Shandong Province in 2008]

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the conditions of Keshan disease and the selenium nutritional status of residents in Keshan disease endemic area in Shandong Province.

Methods: One site from each of 15 Keshan disease endemic counties in Shandong Province was selected for the survey and 700 subjects in each site were randomly selected for the investigation. Physical examination, electrocardiogram and X-ray radiography of the subjects and the selenium contents of hair, wheat, corn and dried sweet potato were surveyed.

Results: A total of 10679 people were investigated in 15 counties and 315 patients were found, including 287 cases of latent type and 28 cases of chronic type, but no acute or subacute type patients were found. There were 1776 cases of abnormal electrocardiogram. Among the 461 cases checked up by radiography, the heart of 195 cases was enlarged. The selenium content of hair, wheat, corn and dried sweet potato were (0.5191 +/- 0.5538), (0.0268 +/- 0.0045), (0.0194 +/- 0.0052) and (0.0193 +/- 0.0039) mg/kg respectively.

Conclusion: The occurrence of Keshan disease is in a stable status in Shandong Province at present. Hair selenium of residents in Keshan disease endemic area has reached an appropriate level. The selenium nutritional status of residents has improved, and the prevalence of Keshan disease is expected to be decreased in these areas.