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The role of thyroid autoantibodies in the etiology of endemic goiter in schoolchildren of Isfahan, Iran

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Abstract

Background: Eleven years after the initiation of universal salt iodization program in Iran, the prevalence of goiter is still high in some areas. Aim: To investigate the role of thyroid autoimmunity in the etiology of residual goiter in schoolchildren of Isfahan, Iran. Material and methods: In a cross-sectional study, 2331 schoolchildren were selected by multi-stage random cluster sampling. Thyroid size was estimated in each child by inspection and palpation. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC), serum anti-thyroperoxidase antibody (anti-TPO Ab), and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (Anti-Tg Ab) were measured. Results: Overall, 32.9% of children had goiter. The median UIC was 1955.5 μg/dl. There was significant difference in prevalence of positive anti-TPO Ab in goitrous (grade 2) and non-goitrous children (9.7 vs 3.7%, p= 0.02). Goitrous children had higher prevalence of positive anti-Tg Ab than non-goitrous ones (15.1 vs 3.1%, p<0.001). Conclusions: According to the present study, goiter is still a public health problem in this region. This study suggests that thyroid autoimmunity is among the contributors of goiter persistence after elimination of iodine deficiency in Isfahan.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Seddigheh Tahereh Research Complex, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Khorram street, Isfahan, Iran

    N. Khalili, M. Hashemipour MD, A. H. Keshteli, M. Siavash & M. Amini

  2. Medical Students Research Center, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

    A. H. Keshteli

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  1. N. Khalili
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  2. M. Hashemipour MD
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  3. A. H. Keshteli
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  4. M. Siavash
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  5. M. Amini
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Correspondence to M. Hashemipour MD.

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Khalili, N., Hashemipour, M., Keshteli, A.H. et al. The role of thyroid autoantibodies in the etiology of endemic goiter in schoolchildren of Isfahan, Iran. J Endocrinol Invest 32, 899–902 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03345769

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03345769

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