The most sensitive indicator of environmental iodine deficiency is:
Ans. d. Neonatal hypothyroidism (Ref: Park 23/e p624. 22/ep587)The most sensitive indicator of environmental iodine deficiency is neonatal hypothyroidism."Neonatal hypothyroidism is a sensitive pointer to environmental iodine deficiency and can thus be an effective indicator for monitoring the impact of a programme. Neonatal hypothyroidism has been found to be a sensitive indicator of environment iodine deficiency.""Since the objective of goitre control programme is to increase iodine intake, indices of urinary excretion are particularly recommended for use in surveillance.Epidemiological assessment of iodine deficiencyThe epidemiological assessment of iodine deficiency is necessary before initiating an iodization programme, and for surveillance of goitre control programmes.Following indicators are useful in this regardPrevalence of goitrePrevalence of cretinismUrinary iodine excretionMeasurement of thyroid function by determination of serum levels of thyroxine (T4) and TSHPrevalence of neonatal hypothyroidismSince the objective of goitre control programme is to increase iodine intake, indices of urinary excretion are particularly recommended for use in surveillance.Neonatal hypothyroidism has been found to be a sensitive indicator of environmental iodine deficiency.
Serum T4 levels
Serum T3 levels
Urine iodine excretion
Neonatal hypothyroidism
Nutrition and Health