[The prevalence of antithyroid antibodies in Lleida]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of autoimmune thyroid antibody, goiter and levels of ioduria in the region of Lleida.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study on a randomized sample of 601 individuals above 6 years old. Examination and palpation of thyroid gland, TSH, T4, FT4, T3, peroxidase antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, and ioduria.

RESULTS

The prevalence of positive peroxidase antibodies was 3.4% (IC 95%: 0.9-5.9), and that of positive thyroglobulin antibodies 9.7% (IC 95%: 6.5-12.9). Palpable goiter was found in 18.3% of individuals, and visible goiter in 13.3%. The mean ioduria was 120.2 +/- 68 mg/l. The mean TSH value was higher in the individuals with thyroid autoimmunity (3.4 +/- 2.4 mU/l) than in the rest (1.6 +/- 1.2 mU/l) the difference was significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Although cases of hypothyroidism are common in populations with iodine deficiency, in regions with adequate iodine intake justifies monitoring for hypothyroidism in these populations as well.

[The prevalence of thyroid functional disorders in the province of Lleida]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of thyroidal disorders in our area using a representative sample of the population in terms of age and distribution by sex.

DESIGN

Descriptive observational transversal study.

SETTING

Six areas from the province of Lleida including its capital.

PARTICIPANTS

All the inhabitants older than 6 and living in the region during the time of the study.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The study was carried out using a representative sample of the population. Several demographic and clinical parameters that are considered to be related to thyroidal disorders were gathered. A blood sample was performed to measure thyrotropin and thyroidal hormones (total T3, free T3 and free T4) and antithyroidal antibodies. 4 diagnostic categories were defined: overt hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, overt hyperthyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism. Blood samples from 401 individuals were analyzed. The prevalence of hyperthyroidism has been 5.6% +/- 2.3% of which 4.6% +/- 2.1% corresponds to subclinical hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of hypothyroidism has been 3.48% +/- 1.7% with 1.24% of overt condition and 2.23% of subclinical. We have not found statistical significance by sex in hyperthyroidism while the prevalence of hypothyroidism is significantly higher among women. 42.8% of hypothyroidism showed positive values for antithyroidal antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of thyroidal disorders in the studied area is similar to those other regions with an adequate iodine intake. Hypothyroidism has diminished in the last years. Hyperthyroidism has not changed. Data about prevalence of thyroidal disorders will have increased value in the future if strategies such as screening and treatment of subclinical disorders prove to be beneficial.

[Current situation of goiter endemic and iodine intake in the population of the Pyrenees and the Segrià region of Lleida]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of goiter in five areas of the Pyrineans and in the region of Segrià in Lleida.

DESIGN

Transversal descriptive study.

SETTING

Five Pyrinean's regions and Segrià.

PATIENTS

Randomised selection of a sample of 601 subjects from the population over 6 years old.

MEASUREMENTS

The field work, which was preceded by an informative campaign in the media, was carried out from October of 1994 through February of 1995. Survey with a personal interview, blood pressure, weight, height, goiter palpation, blood analysis with thyroidal hormones and urine analysis with the iodine/creatine ratio determination.

RESULTS

The prevalence of goiter was 18.3% which was higher among women, the ratio being 3.7/1 (women/men). No significant differences were found in regard to geographic distribution. Mean iodinuria was 120 micrograms/l, though it was below 50 in 11.1% subjects. The prevalence of goiter has been founded to be related to age, increasing from the age of 45 onwards. Higher percentage of goiter was found among individuals with a family history of the disease and women who have had children. The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 3.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

We have found a medium degree of goiter's endemia in the study area, the mean iodinuria in the population is in normal range. The women with children have a higher prevalence of goiter probably due to a lack of sufficient iodine intake being a subgroup at risk.

[Prevalence of tobacco dependence in 6 counties of Lleida]

OBJECTIVE

To find the prevalence of tobacco dependency in the population of six counties in Lleida and in patients with chronic diseases or vascular risk factors.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study. A descriptive analysis of the data.

SETTING

Six counties in Lleida: 5 Pyrenean counties with a rural population and the Segrià county with an urban population.

PARTICIPANTS

A personal questionnaire covering 900 people over 15 (95% CI, 4% accuracy), chosen by randomised sampling, stratified for urban or rural, from the Municipal Rolls.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

543 individuals took part. Prevalence of tobacco dependency was 19.7%, higher in men (27.7%) than in women (12%) (p < 0.05). However, among the young there were no difference between the sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a low, in comparison with other studies, percentage of smokers in our sample, with a high prevalence of ex-smokers among patients with ictus or Coronary Disease. However, the high prevalence of smokers among the individuals with some cardiovascular risk factor points to the need to redouble efforts in health education on tobacco.