Thyroid Function in Neonates from Goitrous and Nongoitrous Iodine-Sufficient Areas*

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Abstract
We compared thyroid function between newborns from goitrous and nongoitrous localities in which iodine intake has been supplemented since 1955. Cord serum samples were analyzed in 185 infants born during a 9-month period (1986-1987) in 2 goitrous and 1 nongoitrous localities of western Colombia. Urinary iodine was determined in all mothers before delivery. No significant differences were found among neonates of the 3 localities (Kruskal-Wallis test) for the various thyroid hormone values, and all values were within the normal range, although there was a trend in distribution of TSH to higher values in both goiter areas. Thyroid autoantibodies (antithyroglobulin and antithyroid microsomal) were negative in all neonates, and iodine intake, as indicated by urinary iodine, was adequate and similar among the mothers of the 3 groups. Those newborn infants with serum TSH values higher than 20 mU/L were reexamined 5-7 months later. At this time, all infants had lower serum TSH values and their serum free T4 index and T3 values were normal. Gestational age, weight, and height at birth were normal and also equal among the neonates in the 3 localities. These results indicate that neonates from goitrous iodine-sufficient areas have thyroid function similar to that of infants born in nongoitrous areas equally supplemented with iodine, and therefore, they are not more at risk to develop congenital hypothyroidism.

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