Studies on thyroid nodules in Jamaica

ABSTRACT

Preliminary studies in thyroid weight, incidence of nodules and iodine content at autopsy indicate that in Jamaica, all these parameters are low. Functional studies indicate a low rate of thyroid activity and an apparent border-line iodine deficiency. The low incidence of nodules at autopsy suggests, however, that iodine deficiency is not a major factor in the pathogenesis of goitre in Jamaica. On the other hand, approximately 50 patients are operated on each year at the U.C.H.W.I for non toxic nodular goitre. Studies are therefore being made of the surgically removed thyroid tissue in this group by means of electrophoresis and chromatography of iodinated proteins and amino acids in the hope of uncovering some other pathogenetic factors (AU)