Evaluation of Urinary Iodine Excretion during Gestation in Urban Residents of Urmia County

Biosynthesis of thyroid hormone and consequently the requirement for iodine have been established to increase during gestation mainly due to increased iodine demand by the fetus. Therefore, diminished iodine intake by the mother during early pregnancy eventually leads to the development of iodine deficiency disorders(IDDS) in the offspring. The present study aimed to explore the pattern of urinary iodine excretion during gestation in urban districts of Urmia County.
In this cross-sectional study, 40 women at 1st trimester were enrolled. Exclusion criteria consisted of history of miscarriage and thyroid malfunction. Random urine samples were collected at 1st -, 2nd – and 3rd trimesters. In fact, UIC was determined via the sandell-kolthoff-method.
Median UIC at 1st- , 2nd- and 3rd trimester were reported 116.5 µg/L, 98.8 µg/L and 100 µg/L, respectively. Repeated measurement revealed no Significant differences in median UIC during gestation (P=0.2). Prevalence of iodine deficiency (UIC The findings of the present study revealed that median UIC (105.1 µg/L) among pregnant residents of Urmia County was lower than the values recommended by WHO for school-age children and non-pregnant women. Accordingly, prevalence of iodine deficiency (UIC