Lower than expected goitre prevalence and iodine deficit in saxony a study6 years after abolishment of general iodization of table salt

Background: Germany is a known area of goitre endemicity. In East Germany ( former German Democratic Republic), iodization of pre-packed table salt was introduced ill 1985 and was only abolished after German reunification in 1 990 Public awareness campaigns have concentrated on the use of iodized sale in the products of bakers and butchers as well as canned and frozen food s ince. Reports in the literature give figures of goitre prevalence (13 to 69 %) inconsistent with each other and with our own clinical experience (about 30%). Method: We undertook a prospective cross-sectional study with a non randoml y selected population (craftsmen and -women) covering Saxony in 1996. 1,129 and 1,594 adults were examined in 1996 and 1997, respectively, using a que stionnaire, ultrasound, and measurement of ordinary iodine excretion (1996 only). Results: We found the following (mean) results in men/women in 1996: thyroi d volume 23.0 +/- 1.3/17.1 +/- 1.5 ml, prevalence of goitre 32.1/31.3%, pre valence of thyroid nodules 21.1/23.0%, urinary iodine excretion (per creati nine) 86.4 +/- 1.3/104 +/- 24.1 nmol/nmol (97.1 +/- 1.4/117 +/- 27.1 mug/g) . In 1997 the results were as follows: thyroid volume 20.9 +/- 1.2/15.7 +/- 2.1 ml, prevalence of goitre 25.6/23.6%, prevalence of thyroid nodules 16. 4/19.8%. Conclusion: Whilst goitre and iodine deficiency are still endemic in Saxony , both have been improving despite the abolition of general table salt iodi zation.