The prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis after universal salt iodisation in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Papers from all participants. In a random sample of 153 individuals with a goiter, serum was checked for anti thyroid peroxidase antibodies.Results Out of 5200 individuals screened, 426 had a clinically detectable goiter. Adjusted prevalence rate was 6.8%. Both serological and cytological evidence of autoimmune thyroiditis was seen in 19.6% of goiters. Mean urinary iodine concentration was 235 µg/l range 11.1 -425 µg/l). Association between elevated antithyroperoxidase antibodies and median urinary iodine concentration was significant. ConclusionGoiter prevalence in Sri Lanka has increased after an initial drop following the iodisation. A significant proportion of goiters is due to AIT. Urinary excretion of Iodine in the community is high and has a positive correlation with the prevalence of aTPO anti vodies. Increase in AIT due to a high Iodine intake may account for the rise in goiter prevalence.

Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among type 2 diabetic patients attending the Diabetes Clinic, National Hospital of Sri Lanka

“…In our study, the prevalence of goitre among study subjects was 8.6%. A community based Sri Lankan study showed that the prevalence of goitre was 6.5% (22). Increased thyroid volume and nodularity due to high insulin levels secondary to insulin resistance and higher median age (57 vs 38 years) may be the most probable explanations for the slightly increased prevalence of goitre observed in our study.…”

Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Radiologist's point of view

“…A Sri Lankan study conducted among school girls aged 11-17 years in 2001 revealed that the prevalence of serologically proven thyroiditis is 15.2% 7 . Another study conducted in 2007 revealed that the goiter prevalence is 6.8% and 19.6% of goiters showed both serological and cytological evidence of autoimmune thyroiditis 8 . A recent study conducted by the author in Kandy district of Sri Lanka in 2014/2015 revealed prevalence of thyroiditis is 19% (unpublished data).…”

“…Incidence and prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in Sri Lanka is on the increase, probably as a consequence of universal salt iodization used to overcome the iodine deficiency disorders 8,9 . Increase in use of high resolution ultrasonography may be a confounding factor for higher detection rate of disease even before clinical presentation.…”

“…It is now over a century since the first description of the disease by the Japanese doctor Hakaru Hashimoto in 1912. Incidence and prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in Sri Lanka is on the increase 8,9 .…”

Update on subclinical thyroid disease

“…Subclinical hypothyroidism is more prevalent in areas of iodine sufficiency. A high prevalence of goiter and autoimmune thyroiditis has been observed in Sri Lanka following the salt iodization program, which makes subclinical hypothyroidism a more commonly encountered problem for the clinicians (2).…”