Background & Aims: Thyroxin is important for the development of fetus brain during early pregnancy. Low body iodine stores during gestation may be present as hypothyroidism in the mother and/or dysfunction in the fetus nervous system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the trend of urinary iodine excretion (UIC) during pregnancy in Zive District of Urmia County.

Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 107 pregnant women (age >17 years) at first trimester (<12 weeks) were recruited. Spot urine samples were collected. UIC was assessed by the Sandell – Kolthoff method. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS software version 22.

Results: The mean age of the studied population was 26±5 years. Median UIC during the first, second, and third trimester were 62 µg/L, 130 µg/L and 90 µg/L. Repeated measure analysis revealed that the differences between UIC at first trimester and those at second- and third trimester were statistically significant (P<0.001). The prevalence of iodine deficiency (UIC, 150 µg/L) during fist-, second-, and third trimester were 98%, 67%, and 80%, respectively.

Conclusions: This study reports that 81% of the pregnant women in Zive District of Urmia exhibited mild to moderate iodine deficiency (UIC &le 150 µg/L). Also, a marked elevation in median UIC was seen at the second trimester when compared to first or third trimesters. UIC pattern in the present study is different from those obtained for iodine sufficient regions in Iran. These differences may reflect the impact of whole body iodine stores on UIC pattern during gestation. Therefore, appropriate iodine store during early pregnancy is vital for the well-being of the fetus and should be considered a priority for health service authorities in order to prevent mental dysfunction, impaired growth and increases mortality among new born children.

SOURCE: URMIA MED J 2015: 26(7): 608 ISSN: 1027-3727