Recent Developments in Iodine Deficiency in Europe

Newswise — When the American Thyroid Association (ATA) holds its 80th Annual Meeting September 23-27, 2009 at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, recent developments in iodine deficiency in Europe and the impact of treating thyroid hormonal dysfunction during pregnancy will be discussed Thursday September 24 at 9:00 am as part of the “Global Impact and Issues in Iodine Deficiency” symposium.

Data and conclusions from the first prospective, randomized, controlled trial of universal screening versus case finding will be presented.

Researchers have concluded that the case finding approach “misses the majority” of cases of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Treating thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy resulted in a reduction of adverse events to mother and fetus as compared to not treating women who had thyroid dysfunction.

Based on their findings, researchers are recommending that “all high risk women should be screened” and that “serious consideration” should be given to universal screening.

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) is the lead organization in promoting thyroid health and understanding thyroid biology. The ATA values scientific inquiry, clinical excellence, public service, education, collaboration, and collegiality.

A non-profit medical society founded in 1923, the ATA fulfills its mission through supporting excellence and innovation in research, clinical care, education, and public health. ATA members are physicians and scientists who work to enhance the understanding of thyroid physiology and pathophysiology, improve the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases, and promote the education of physicians, patients, and the public about thyroid disorders. The official journal “Thyroid” of the ATA is published monthly. “Clinical Thyroidology” is published online monthly for the benefit of clinicians and scientists around the world.

Thyroid diseases are among the most common disorders of the endocrine system, affecting almost 13 million Americans alone. The ATA has extensive online information for patients on thyroid disease (in English and Spanish) serving the clinician as a resource for patients and the public who look for reliable information on the internet. To further benefit patients, the ATA publishes an online journal “Clinical Thyroidology for Patients.” The Alliance for Patient Education was formed in 2002 to offer an exchange of information between the ATA and patient education groups: ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.; the Light of Life Foundation, and the Graves’ Disease Foundation. A public forum is held each year in conjunction with the ATA annual meeting.

The 80th Annual Meeting of the ATA will be in Palm Beach, Florida, from September 23-27, 2009 at The Breakers Hotel. All registration and program information is available at http://www.thyroid.org. We welcome your participation.

ATA 6066 Leesburg Pike, Suite 550, Falls Church, VA 22041 * (703) 998-8890 (Fax) (703) 998-8893 * http://www.thyroid.org