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Urinary Iodine Excretion, 1997 |
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Urinary Iodine Excretion, 1997 |
Urinary Iodine Excretion in 16,803
Brazilian Schoolchildren
Roberto Zonato Esteves, Rui Monteiro de Barros Maciel
Abstract | Introdução | Métodos | Resultados | Discussão | Bibliografias
ABSTRACT
In Brazil, extense areas are iodine-deficient and, since the 50’s there is a program of iodization of salt. This report about the iodine urinary excretion of schoolchildren is part of the third national survey for the evaluation of the endemia that also analyses goiter prevalence and local iodine levels in salt; this is the first nationwide study of urinary iodine in Brazil.
We analysed 16,803 casual urine samples by the method of Pino et al 1996, after modifications were introduced in our lab to make it semiautomated.
Of the 401 counties studied, we found 4 moderately-deficient [Almas, Arraias and Paraná (TO), and Cocos (BA) , with median of 3.3 , 3.4 e 2.6 , 4.4 ug/dL, respectively], and 116 mildly-deficient ( The results indicate that at least 30 % of the counties examined in Brazil are at risk for Iodine Deficiency Diseases. Even though iodine deficiency in Brazil is not severe, still a substantial fraction of the population is living in areas whre IDD is endemic. It is important that the Brazilian Government concentrate the efforts to increase iodine intake in these areas to fight the quantitative important manifestations of moderate iodine deficiency.
This work suggests that, despite the salt iodization program, there are still some endemic clusters in Brazil and it recommends an effort to improve the effectiveness of the salt iodization and a short-term campaign with iodized oil for the risk groups living in iodine-deficient areas.
Abstract | Introdução | Métodos | Resultados | Discussão | Bibliografias
