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Determination of thyroid volume by ultrasonogrphy in 6-15 year-old children and adolescents in Tehran schools (1998-99)
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H Delshad   , Y Mehrabi , F Azizi |
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Abstract: (33417 Views) |
| Abstract: Since the normal values of thyroid volume ultrasonography results from European schoolchildren were endorsed by WHO, a few studies have addressed the limitation of the recommended references as universal normal values for thyroid volume. Our objective was to describe thyroid volume measured by ultrasonography in Tehran’s schoolchildren and compare these with WHO normal values. Cross-sectional studies were performed in 1186 schoolchildren aged 6-15 years in Tehran, 10 years after distribution of iodised salt. Data were collected on age, sex, weight, height, thyroid size by palpation and ultrasonography and urinary iodine. The 97th percentiles of thyroid volume for age/sex and body surface area (BSA) / sex were determined. The prevalence of goiter was 42% by palpation, 31% grade 1 and 11% grade 2. Median urinary iodine was 21.2 μg/dl. The 97th percentiles were comparable in girls and boys in all ages. According to the WHO thyroid volume references Tehran’s children did not have enlarged thyroids based on BSA and age, even in 11% of children with grade 2 (visible) goiter. In Tehran’s children, the best predictors of thyroid volume were BSA, height and weight. Using linear regression, the 97th percentiles of thyroid volume from Tehran’s children were lower than the corresponding references from WHO normal values. WHO-recommended references lacked normal values for 6% of schoolchildren with BSA<0.8 m2. Results indicate that a thyroid volume reference based on weight alone would perform as well as that based on BSA. In addition, until the adoption of a new applicable international reference for thyroid volume, the use of local references in the screening of children for thyroid enlargement is recommended. |
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| Keywords: Thyroid volume, Ultrasonography, Goiter |
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Full-Text [PDF 300 kb]
(6671 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Endocrinology
Received: 2006/11/14 | Published: 2000/06/15
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