Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders in School Children In Delhi – Post Iodization Scenario

Abstract

Screening of 4543 children between 6-18 years of age from different schools of Delhi was done during the first phase of research study under EMR project by AYUSH, for thyroid function status-clinically, serologically & ultrasonographically. Data of 4506 children has been analyzed & it has been found that goiter is prevalent at mild endemic level in children (17%) even after two decades of iodization. Significant increase in anti TPO ab positivity (6.39%) and thyroid dysfunction (11.92%) raises suspicion about the role of environmental goitrogens and prolonged iodine supplementation.