October - December 2012, Volume 8, Issue 4

Ursu HI

The impact of iodine deficiency on perinatal morbidity and mortality

Acta Endo (Buc) 2012, 8 (4): 619-625
doi: 10.4183/aeb.2012.619

The spectrum of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) during fetal life includes increased perinatal mortality, increased\r\ninfant mortality, stillbirths, congenital anomalies, spontaneous abortions and endemic cretinism (severe mental\r\nretardation). Evaluation of the impact of iodine deficiency on perinatal mortality is justified by the presence of an increased perinatal mortality in the spectrum of IDD\r\nand highly elevated of both the prevalence of iodine deficiency and perinatal mortality in some areas (as like sub - Saharian Africa). Regarding human rights, "every\r\nchild has the right to an adequate supply of iodine to ensure his (or her) normal development"; of particular importance in this context is the right of the unborn child\r\nto an appropriate iodine intake. Whatever the roles of other factors, the available data clearly show that\r\ncorrection of iodine deficiency per se substantially decreases neonatal and infant mortality. During 2013 (ten years after implementation of universal salt iodization\r\nin Romania), we intend to evaluate median urinary iodine concentration in pregnant women from endemic goiter areas.

Keywords: iodine deficiency, universal salt iodization, perinatal mortality, premature neonates, urinary iodine concentration.

Correspondence: Horea Ioan Ursu, MD, ?C. I. Parhon? Institute of Endocrinology Department of Endemic goiter, 34-36 Aviatorilor blvd., Bucharest, 011863, Romania, E-mail:horeaursu@hotmail.com