Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Iodine deficiency (ID) is an endemic health problem in Uttarakhand State. ID leads to mental retardation, deaf mutism, squint, dwarfism, spastic diplegia, neurological defects and congenital anomalies. Iodine nutrition status amongst neonates can be assessed by estimating thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

Objectives: Current study aimed to assess iodine nutrition status among Neonates in Uttarakhand, India, a known endemic region for ID.

Methodology: Three districts, namely Udham Singh Nagar (USN), Nainital (N) and Pauri Garhwal (PG), were selected. In each district, all Hospitals/CHCs catering to the population for obstetric services were identified and enlisted. Six hospitals per district were selected keeping in view of operational feasibility. The 450 births occurring in these Hospitals/CHCs during the 12 months of study period were included for estimation of TSH. Total of 2013 neonates (649 from Udham Singh Nagar, 670 from Nainital and 694 from Pauri Garhwal) were studied. Umbilical cord blood samples of neonates were collected on filter paper and analyzed for TSH by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. WHO (2007) reported that a <3% frequency of TSH concentrations above 5 mIU/l in samples collected 3–4 days after birth indicates iodine sufficiency in a population.

Results: We found that 55.3% (USN), 76.4% (N) and 72.8% (PG) of the neonates had TSH levels of more than 5 mlU/l, thus indicating ID in the population studied. No statistically significant difference of gender on the TSH levels was observed.

Conclusion: Iodine deficiency continues to be a public health problem in Uttarakhand, India.

Disclosure: Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi (vide letter No: 5/9/1025/201 1-RHN).