RE: GOITER AND THYROID EMERGENCIES

Yes sir @lemouth , goiter is still a significant health problem in some countries, especially in Africa. Goiter caused by iodine deficiency is on the decline in many regions due to iodine supplementation but autoimmune diseases like graves disease are still on the increase and commonly present with painless goiter and Hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid disorders (TDs) remain the second-most common endocrine disease after diabetes worldwide.

A Research Gate publication in August 2022 showed that,

In Africa, the prevalence of endemic goiter ranges from 1% to 90%, while the incidence of hyperthyroidism ranges from 13% to 43.7%. In Ethiopia the prevalence of endemic goiter was 39.9%, which the most prevalent is thyrotoxicosis at 43.7%.

A study conducted at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital screened patients and showed that 14.6% develop hyperthyroidism.

In a 2019 study by the National Health Institute,

Hypothyroidism affects up to 5% of the general population, with a further estimated 5% being undiagnosed. Over 99% of affected patients suffer from primary hypothyroidism

For my country, Nigeria, 2019 Study published in Research Gate showed that for 260 patients studied,

The prevalence of hyperthyroidism 150 (58%), hypothyroidism 100 (39%), and (ESS) 10 (3.9%) was 1.4%, 0.9%, and 0.09%, respectively

Then finally, from my personal experience in the teaching hospital where I am, there are cases of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism almost on every week of the Endocrinology Clinic day in the Medical outpatient clinic.

In the Surgery department too, there are goiter cases booked for thyroidectomy at least one in every two .

However, there are environmental factors that affect the incidence of thyroid disorders in each geographical location.

Thanks so much, sir.