SIGNS OF AUTOIMMUNE-THYROIDITIS IN CHILDREN AND JUVENILES AFFECTED BYTHE CHERNOBYL ACCIDENT

The content of antibodies to human thyroid microsomal antigen was inve stigated to evaluate the possible appearance of autoimmune thyroiditis in children and juveniles living in the areas of Kaluga region affect ed by the Chernobyl accident. The percentage of positive sera varied f rom 4.8% to 1.2% over seven years. There is a significant difference i n the frequency of antibody appearance between persons affected by rad ioactive iodine and those not affected. A greater quantity of the posi tive sera was recorded in the area with highest level of radioactive c ontamination. It is suggested that the elevated rate of autoimmune thy roiditis signs in children and juveniles is one of the consequences of the Chernobyl accident.