Assessment of associations among urinary iodine concentration, iodized table salt and thyroid parameters during pregnancy in Algeria

Background and objectives: Iodine is a trace element whose adequate intakes are essential during pregnancy to promote the correct growth and development of the fetus. Iodine deficiency is the cause of several disorders associated with an increased risk of miscarriage or premature birth. The aim of this study was to assess the urinanry iodine concentration (UIC) and thyroid function of pregnant women (PW) in northern Algeria. Methods : Healthy PW (n=173) were recruited from Gynecology-obstetrics service (Algiers) divided into three group. Spot urine and venous blood samples were collected to assess iodine status (urinary iodine concentration, serum thyroid hormones and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies concentrations. Correlation analysis was used to investigate the association between UIC and thyroid parameters. Resultats: The median UIC values were 233 μg/L, 246.74 μg/L, 244.68 μg/L in the first, second and third trimester respectively. Median TSH and FT4 concentrations were within reference ranges during pregnancy. Among PW, 72.7%, 75.4% and 75.5% in the first, second and third trimester were TPO-Ab+. Among TPO-Ab+ PW in the first, second and third trimesters, 18.7%, 13% and 10.3% had subclinical hypothyroidism. Conclusion: In northern Algeria, median UICs in PW indicate iodine sufficiency. About 75% of PW are TPO-Ab + and the frequency of undiagnosed SCH in pregnant women was the prevalence high. Monitoring of iodine fortification programs is vital to avoid both iodine deficiency and excess and raises an alarm of the potential risks of untreated thyroid disorder with an urgent need for a comprehensive national iodine status survey in Algeria.