Goiter and associated thyroid dysfunction in Ahvaz primary school children, 2008

Introduction: Goiter in primary school age children is a standardized criterion for evaluation of goiter in each area. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of goiter and accompanied thyroid dysfunction in school children. Methods: During a cluster sampling in primary schools of Ahvaz, 1594 (833 Male) were enrolled and examined for goiter. Data of weight (Wt), height (Ht) and Body Mass Index (BMI) were collected from all subjects. Children having goiter were referred to clinic and assessed for thyroid function tests (TFT). Results: Among 1594 children, 4.3% (69 pupils) were identified as having goiter grade of which forty pupils were followed for TFT. TFT was abnormal only in two cases (one overt and other one subclinical hypothyroidism). There was not any correlation between goiter and age, weight, BMI and sex. However, it was directly correlated with height (P=0.002). Conclusion: Prevalence of goiter is still nearly endemic (4.3%) in Ahvaz, but has not significant effect on thyroid function and childhood growth. Direct relationship of height and existence of goiter might be due to more iodide requirement during rapid growth periods.