The epidemiology, pathogenesis and control of endemic goitre and cretinism in New Guinea
Hetzel, B.S.
New Zealand Medical Journal 80(529): 482-484
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 4375268 Document Number: 72999
The mountain chain which extends from one end of the island of New Guinea to the other provides conditions of heavy rainfall and rapid rivers which typically produce an iodine-deficient soil. The people live in isolated village communities as small as 50 to 300 people, on a restricted, mostly vegetable, diet with an I intake of about 20 mu g daily. Incidence and size of goitre rise with altitude. Histological examination shows intense hyperplasia and complete absence of colloid. Thyroid hormone in blood falls as goitre size increases and, in subjects with goitre, serum thyroxine falls and triiodothyronine rises.An account is given of the measures already taken to prevent goitre, starting with McCullagh's injection of over 10 000 subjects with iodised oil in 1956 and 1957. A number of repeat surveys have shown great improvement. Preventive measures have since been extended with a view to control not only of goitre but also the associated cretinism and neurological abnormalities. Similar schemes are projected or in operation in Zaire, in parts of South America and in India.