Horm Metab Res 2024; 56(05): 368-372
DOI: 10.1055/a-2258-8258
Original Article: Endocrine Care

Relationship Between Urinary Iodine Concentration and the Prevalence of Thyroid Nodules and Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Huachao Zhu
1   Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
,
Pu Chen
2   Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
,
Xi Ding
2   Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
,
Yanru Zhao
2   Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the iodine intake in the resident population in Xi’an and analyze the relationship between iodine nutritional status and the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroid nodules (TNs). A total of 2507 people were enrolled in Xi’an. Venous serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), urinary iodine concentration (UIC), and thyroid ultrasonography were collected. Patients with abnormal TSH were checked for free thyroxine (FT4) and triiodothyronine (FT3). Adults in Xi’an had median UICs of 220.80 μg/L and 178.56 μg/l, respectively. A sum of 16.78% of people had subclinical hypothyroidism. Both iodine excess and iodine deficit increased the frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism. The lowest was around 15.09% in females with urine iodine levels between 200 and 299 μg/l. With a rate of 10.69%, the lowest prevalence range for males was 100–199 μg/l. In Xi’an, 11.37% of people have TNs. In comparison to other UIC categories, TN occurrences were higher in females (18.5%) and males (12%) when UIC were below 100 μg/l. In conclusion, iodine intake was sufficient in the Xi’an area, while the adults’ UIC remains slightly higher than the criteria. Iodine excess or deficiency can lead to an increase in the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism. Patients with iodine deficiency are more likely to develop TNs.



Publication History

Received: 20 October 2022

Accepted after revision: 29 January 2024

Article published online:
06 March 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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