The iodine-deficiency monitoring system in the Western Siberian Region

Abstract

The efficiency of the iodine deficiency prevention and monitoring system was evaluated in the Western Siberian Region. A total of 20,327 individuals living in the south of the Tyumen Region, Khanty-Mansi and Yamal-Senets Autonomous Districts were examined. The diagnostic criteria (ioduria median, goiter frequency, as evidenced by ultrasonography, neonatal thyroid-stimulating hormone screening, iodine-containing salt quality control) for iodine deficiencies were studied. Preventive measures implemented in the Western Siberian Region caused an increase in ioduria median up to levels of more than 100 ukg/l by 2006. At the same time, there was a persistently increased frequency of goiter in schoolchildren and that of hypenhyrotropinemia (more than 5 m U/l) In neonatal infants. The efficiency of iodine prophylaxis reflects the comprehensive assessment of the results of soclohygienic and biomedical monitoring of iodine deficiencies. Iodine-deficiencies can be completely eliminated in the Western Siberian Region if there is a state Iodine-deficiency preventing system involving the compulsory iodine fortification of dietary salt.