Monitoring iodine prophylaxis

Neonatal thyroid screening is an important additional tool for evaluating the potential consequences of iodine deficiency on brain development and for monitoring iodine prophylaxis at the population level. Indeed, neonates, whose very low thyroidal iodine stores make them hypersensitive to iodine deficiaicy, frequently have altered thyroid function tests (elevated serum TSH, possibly low T4) even at moderate degrees of iodine deficiency that do not appear to affect thyroid function in the adults. Therefore, a shift towards higher neonatal TSH values has been proposed as a useful tool to detect and monitor iodine deficient newborn populations. However, such a shift can be interpreted validly if representative sampling of newborns is carried out (at least one hundred determinations in randomly selected populations), with the use of sensitive assays for TSH measurements. 

In consideration of economic reasons, limitation the monitoring of iodine prophylaxis... 

MONITORING OF PROGRAMS OF IODINE PROPHYLAXIS IN INDUSTRIALIZED COUNTRIES... 

Prophylaxis is generally not necessary Patients at risk should be closely monitored by endocrinologists after iodinated contrast medium injection In selected high-risk patients prophylactic treatment may be given by an endocrinologist this is more relevant in areas of dietary iodine deficiency Intravenous cholangiographic contrast media should not be given to patients at risk... 

To summarize, it should be stated that the prophylaxis model in Poland based on iodization of household salt has brought expected results (Szybihski et al., 2001). However, in view of the existing threats, elements that may indicate iodine deficiency effects should be monitored. This is a problem not only for doctors and scientific societies, but also for all state bodies responsible for the health of the nation. 

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