GOITER SURVEY IN ARMIDALE AND NEW-ENGLAND REGION

The results of a goiter survey in school children in the New England Region [Australia] are presented and compared with previous studies. Goiter incidence has fallen significantly in Tamworth but remains unchanged in Armidale. Analyses of blood and urine showed no differences in thyroid hormone levels, TSH [thyroid-stimulating hormone] and urinary iodide in goiter and non-goiter subjects. In 1 group of goiter subjects prolactin levels were significantly higher than those in a non-goiter group matched for sex, age and years in the district. The estimated I intake was well above normal requirements in all age groups studied. Sources of dietary I in the New England Region are outlined with special reference to milk and water. A brief review of clinical thyroid disease in Armidale is presented and reveals an unusually high incidence of hyper- and hypo-thyroidism.