[Current situation of goiter endemic and iodine intake in the population of the Pyrenees and the Segrià region of Lleida]

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of goiter in five areas of the Pyrineans and in the region of Segrià in Lleida.

Design: Transversal descriptive study.

Setting: Five Pyrinean's regions and Segrià.

Patients: Randomised selection of a sample of 601 subjects from the population over 6 years old.

Measurements: The field work, which was preceded by an informative campaign in the media, was carried out from October of 1994 through February of 1995. Survey with a personal interview, blood pressure, weight, height, goiter palpation, blood analysis with thyroidal hormones and urine analysis with the iodine/creatine ratio determination.

Results: The prevalence of goiter was 18.3% which was higher among women, the ratio being 3.7/1 (women/men). No significant differences were found in regard to geographic distribution. Mean iodinuria was 120 micrograms/l, though it was below 50 in 11.1% subjects. The prevalence of goiter has been founded to be related to age, increasing from the age of 45 onwards. Higher percentage of goiter was found among individuals with a family history of the disease and women who have had children. The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 3.4%.

Conclusions: We have found a medium degree of goiter's endemia in the study area, the mean iodinuria in the population is in normal range. The women with children have a higher prevalence of goiter probably due to a lack of sufficient iodine intake being a subgroup at risk.