Prevalence of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in a Village of Dakshina Kannada District of Coastal Karnataka and Effect of Salt Iodinisation

A study was undertaken before and after iodine supplementation programme, to know the prevalence of goitre, the most probable cause and to study the effect of iodine supplementation on goitre prevalence in a village of coastal region of Karnataka of Dakshina Kannada District. The p reintervention study results revealed overall prevalence of goitre was 53.80% (n=700) [Grade II (34.75%), Grade III (34.30%)]. Two cretins, 3 deaf mutes and 3 mental retardation cases were also noted. The mean urine iodine excretion among cases (with goitre) was 48.29 ± 2.14 μg;/gm crt (n=34), and control (without goitre) was 36.28 ± 2.01 μg/gm crt. Forty three (83.69%) showed urine iodine excretion less than 89.1 μg/gm crt and 16 (37.20%) showed urinary excretion below 22.1 μg/gm crt. After 1 year of iodine supplementation there was no major change in goitre prevalence [(50.91%)-(n=900)]; however percentage of Grade III goitre dropped to 6.76% from 36.30% (p < 0.001). Out of 37 cases who were subjected for hormone studies 6 (16.27%) showed hyperthyroid hormone levels before iodine supplementation and 17 out of 39 showed hyperthyroid levels (p < 0.01) after iodised salt supplementation. The results of the study show that iodine deficiency is now a serious health problem even in coastal regions, contrary to the common belief. Iodine supplementation influences the severity of illness.