Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD)
Iodine deficiency is the single most common cause of preventable brain damage in the world. IDD encompasses the spectrum of adverse effects on growth and development resulting from iodine insufficiency.
1. Spectrum of IDD
| Age Group | Clinical Manifestation |
|---|---|
| Fetal | Abortions, stillbirths, congenital anomalies, and endemic cretinism (neurological/myxedematous). |
| Neonatal | Neonatal goiter, neonatal hypothyroidism, impaired mental function. |
| Child/Adolescent | Goiter, juvenile hypothyroidism, impaired mental function, retarded physical development. |
| Adult | Goiter with complications, hypothyroidism, impaired mental function, iodine-induced hyperthyroidism. |
2. Assessment & Criteria
- Urinary Iodine Concentration (UIC): The best biomarker for recent iodine intake. A median UIC of <100 µg/L indicates iodine deficiency in a population.
- Goiter Prevalence: Used as a clinical indicator; in school-age children, a prevalence of >5% indicates a public health problem.
NEET PG Hint: Remember the two types of Endemic Cretinism:
1. Neurological: Mental deficiency, deaf-mutism, squint, and motor spasticity.
2. Myxedematous: Hypothyroidism, stunted growth, and intellectual impairment.
Always associate Median UIC as the population gold standard for monitoring iodine status.