The Prevalence of Undiagnosed Thyroid Disorders in a Previously Iodine-Deficient Area

Abstract
Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze the current status of morphologic and functional thyroid abnormalities in a previously iodine-deficient area. Methods: The population based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) comprised 4310 participants, aged 20-79 years. Thyroid function (thyrotropin [TSH] free triiodothyronine [FT3], and free thyroxine [FT4]) and serum autoantibodies to thyroperoxidase (TPOAb) were evaluated from blood samples. Thyroid structure and size were measured by ultrasound. Data from 3941 participants with no known thyroid disorders were analyzed. Results: The median iodine urine excretion was 12.4 μg/dL. The rate of decreased serum TSH levels (Conclusion: There are a number of thyroid disorders in this previously iodine-deficient region. Further studies are required to investigate the change of thyroid disorders during iodine supplementation programs.