Evaluation of a goiter epidemic degree among pregnant women in natural iodine deficiency region

Abstract

Objectives: the aim of the study was to investigate clinical features of thyroid function in pregnant woman in the region of natural iodine deficiency. Methods: serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (fT4) concentrations, urine excretion of iodine were measured. The structure and volume of thyroid gland were defined by palpation and ultrasonography. The 150 pregnant women (50 in every trimester) were included in study. Results: median of urine iodine excretion was 72.5 mkg/l, that confirm mild iodine deficiency in the region. During pregnancy median of urine excretion of iodine is significantly lower in third trimester (51.0 mkg/l), than in first (93.0 mkg/l) and in second (86.1 mkg/l). The goiter was registered more often in third trimester of pregnancy. The level of fT4 was decreased in third trimester of pregnancy. Key words: iodine deficiency, goiter, hypothyroidism pregnancy.