The prevalence of antithyroid antibodies in Lleida

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of autoimmune thyroid antibody, goiter and levels of ioduria in the region of Lleida. METHODS: Cross-sectional study on a randomized sample of 601 individuals above 6 years old. Examination and palpation of thyroid gland, TSH, T4, FT4, T3, peroxidase antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, and ioduria. RESULTS: The prevalence of positive peroxidase antibodies was 3.4% (IC 95%: 0.9-5.9), and that of positive thyroglobulin antibodies 9.7% (IC 95%: 6.5-12.9). Palpable goiter was found in 18.3% of individuals, and visible goiter in 13.3%. The mean ioduria was 120.2 +/- 68 mg/l. The mean TSH value was higher in the individuals with thyroid autoimmunity (3.4 +/- 2.4 mU/l) than in the rest (1.6 +/- 1.2 mU/l) the difference was significant. CONCLUSIONS: Although cases of hypothyroidism are common in populations with iodine deficiency, in regions with adequate iodine intake justifies monitoring for hypothyroidism in these populations as well.