Hypothyroidism Among Military Infants Born in Countries of Varied Iodine Nutrition Status
Abstract
Iodine deficiency the most common preventable cause of brain damage and mental retardation worldwide. Recently, the impact of more subtle differences in iodine nutrition and the adequacy of iodine intake in vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children, have been questioned. This study was designed to compare congenital hypothyroidism rates in children born to US military families in countries of varied iodine nutrition status. A historical cohort design was used to analyze data from the Department of Defense Birth and Infant Health Registry for military dependent infants born in 2000-2004. Congenital hypothyroidism cases were identified using ICD-9-CM codes from inpatient and outpatient encounters during the first year of life. The impact of birth location on congenital hypothyroidism was assessed by comparing rates in Germany, Japan and US territories to rates in the United States, while controlling for infant gender, infant plurality, estimated gestational age, maternal age, maternal military status, and the race/ethnicity of the military sponsor. The odds ratios (ORs) for birth location and congenital hypothyroidism showed no relationship between birth location and congenital hypothyroidism. Congenital hypothyroidism was strongly associated with preterm birth. Congenital hypothyroidism was also seen more often in infants born to mothers 25-29 years-old, and mothers > 40 years-old, when compared to infants born to mothers, age 20-24 years. Congenital hypothyroidism was slightly more common among infants born to civilian mothers, than those born to active-duty military mothers. In this study, congenital hypothyroidism in military-dependent infants was found to be associated with previously described risk factors, including preterm birth and advanced maternal age, but congenital hypothyroidism did not vary by birth location in countries with differing iodine nutrition status
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA515127
Entities
People
- Carter J. Sevick
- Marcus M. Cranston
- Margaret A.K. Ryan
- Stephanie K. Brodine
- Tyler Clain Smith
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center