ESPE Abstracts

Introduction: Thyroid disorders (such as endemic and nodular goiter, thyroiditis, congenital and acquired hypothyroidism) are one of the most common endocrine problems in children and adolescents in Ternopil Region (Ukraine) during the last decades. The main causes of goiter in children may include autoimmune diseases and iodine deficiency.

Purpose: The aim of current study is to assess goiter according to etiology in the pediatric population of Ternopil region and propose a prevention strategy.

Methods: A retrospective analyses of statistic medical forms (official database) in Ternopil region has been conducted.

Results and Discussion: The study shows that in spite of reduction of children's population (0-17 years old) from 215 thousands in 2008 to 199 thousands in 2018 morbidity and distribution of thyroid pathology permanently increase (Table).

Taking into account that in our endemic area population commonly use either non-iodized salt or iodized salt, we can assume direct effect of such tradition to the tendency in morbidity and distribution of thyroid pathology.

According to governmental database in Ternopil region, the amount of affected children from 0 to 18 years is around 4.9 to 5.7 % of whole population. It is well known fact, that the main cause of euthyroid goiter 1 and 2 grade is iodine deficiency. By WHO guideline (2007, Geneva) it is recommended that a total goiter rate (number with goiters of grades 1 and 2 divided by total examined) of 5% or more in schoolchildren 6 to 12 years of age be used to signal the presence of a public health problem.

Conclusions: Summing up what has been presented, iodine deficiency could not be clearly confirmed in our region. So, current study should to be continued in target group of children with urine iodine determination to implement a regional program to eliminate probable iodine deficiency disorders.