The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and the clinical and laboratory data of 210 patients coming from the municipality of Cabaceiras, Paraíba, were studied. They were classified in two groups: 1 (n=122), patients from the rural area with uninvestigated thyroid complaints, and 2 (n= 88) apparently healthy volunteers from the urban area. The study included clinical examination, hormonal evaluation (TSH, T3, FT4), determination of anti-microssomal antibodies (AAM), and ultrasonography (US) of the thyroid gland (not performed in volunteers). The majority of the population (79%; n=166) was female, and the mean age was 31.3±20.1 years (3-85). In group 1, prevalences of hypothyroidism (12.3%) and hyperthyroidism (7.3%) were similar to those found in group 2 (respectively, 15.9% and 4.5%). The prevalence of isolated positive AAM was 20% (43/210); among them, 26 were from the urban area. US abnormalities were observed in 42% (49/117) of those living in the rural area, non-toxic goiter being predominant (30.7%). In conclusion, the frequency of thyroid dysfunctions in this community is elevated; genetic and environmental factors are possibly involved in its genesis, justifying future studies, including the evaluation of urinary iodine.
Thyroid; Goiter; Prevalence; Ultrasound; Anti-thyroid antibodies
