CORRELATIONS BETWEEN SHORT STATURE IN CHILDREN AND IODINE DEFICIENCY IN SIBIU COUNTY
Abstract:
Iodine is an essential element in forming thyroid hormones with an important role in the
growth and development of the body. In this study, we evaluated and we collected anthropometric data
from 1946 children aged 6-14, students of schools in some areas of Sibiu County known as iodine
deficient. A relatively small percentage of the assessed children were found with short stature (height
less than -2SD), most of them being males and in terms of weight status, 11% were obese and 13% with
malnutrition. Results can be compared with recent studies carried out in China, India and Italy.
Permanent and prompt collaboration is needed between family physician, endocrinologist and
pediatrician in order to timely detect the abnormal growth and development, and to intervene with
appropriate treatment
full text article in English (.EN) |