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Newborn thyrotropin screening confirms iodine deficiency in Latvia

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 60, pages 688–690 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective and setting:

The national neonatal thyrotropin (TSH) screening data for 2000–2002 were analysed to assess the extent and severity of iodine deficiency in Latvia.

Results:

Elevated newborn TSH (>5 mIU/l) decreased from 16.5 to 10.4% and 8.4% in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. For each year and in all regions, the prevalence of elevated newborn TSH was above the cut-off level indicative for a public health problem. A positive correlation (r=0.82, P<0.05) existed between elevated newborn TSH and low urinary iodine excretion among a nationwide sample of school children in 2000.

Conclusion:

Latvia is iodine deficient, putting each new generation at risk of preventable brain damage.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the Ministry of Health of Latvia, in particular Dr Inga Smate, Head of Epidemiological Safety and Nutrition Department and Dr Lelde Vancovica, Head of Mother and Child Health Department for ensuring access to the data in the Ministry of Health and State Statistical Agency. RH Gyurjyan received partial funding from the Transcultural Fund, Emory University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, Atlanta,, GA, USA

    R H Gyurjyan & F van der Haar

  2. Department of Medical Genetics, State Children's University Hospital, Riga, Latvia

    R Lugovska & P Vevere

Authors
  1. R H Gyurjyan
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  2. R Lugovska
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  3. P Vevere
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  4. F van der Haar
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to F van der Haar.

Additional information

Guarantor: F van der Haar.

Contributors: RL and PV collected data; RL, RHG, and FvdH reviewed the data; RHG and FvdH analysed the data. All authors contributed to the preparation of the report.

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Gyurjyan, R., Lugovska, R., Vevere, P. et al. Newborn thyrotropin screening confirms iodine deficiency in Latvia. Eur J Clin Nutr 60, 688–690 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602364

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602364

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