Thyroid responses to varying doses of oral iodized oil in school children in Awassa, Ethiopia

A longitudinal study was conducted during 1994 - 1996 among elementary school children aged 6-14 years in Awassa, South Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of varying doses of oral iodized oil (200mg and 400mg) on thyroid function. The study included clinical examination of goitre, biochemical tests for thyroid function, and assessment of nutritional status of the children. A total of 110 children were randomly selected from six elementary schools and randomly assigned into high or 400mg (n=53) and low or 200 mg (n=57) dose groups for administration. After 13 months of intervention 42% goitre reduction was noted in the 200mg group while 49% regress of goitre was observed in the 400mg group. The difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in serum concentrations of T3, T4 and TSH between the two dose groups before or after administration. These clearly indicate that the two graded doses of oral iodized oil have the same effect on thyroid function and goitre reduction. (Ethiopian Journal of Health Development: 2000, 14(1): 49-66)