Thyroid antibodies: High prevalence among schoolchildren and adolescents in Gizan, Saudi Arabia.

Journal Article

, Sulimani RA, Al-Attas O.S., El-Desouki Ml, Eissa MA, Al Nuaim A, Al Sekait MA. . 1995

• Publication Work Type: PHD
• Publication Online URL: RefDoc
• Magazine \ Newspaper: Saudi Med J.

Publication Abstract

Objective : To study the prevalence of antithyroid antibodies among schoolchildren and adolescents in Gizan, Saudi Arabia. Design : Prospective, field study. Setting : Primary, intermediate and secondary schools in Gizan, Saudi Arabia. Subjects : Schoolchildren and adolescents in Gizan schools. Measures : Antithyroid antibodies (antithyroglobulin and antimicrosomal) were tested in Gizan schoolchildren and adolescents using the haemagglutination method. Results : We tested 1136 students (694 males and 442 females). Positive antithyroglobulin antibodies were obtained in 81 students (7.1%) while 162 students (14.3%) had positive antimicrosomal antibodies. Antithyroglobulin antibodies were positive in 2.7% of male subjects and 14% of female subjects. Antimicrosomal antibodies were detected in 9.6% of males and 21.5% of females. None of the students had biochemical hypothyroidism. Conclusion : Thyroid autoantibodies occur with high frequency among schoolchildren and adolescents in Gizan. Genetic, and environmental factors as well as consanguineous marriages are suggested as possible factors for this high frequency.