OBJECTIVETo observe clinical therapeutic effect of auricular acupuncture combined with iodine salt on juvenile endemic goitre, and regulative action on thyroid hormones.

METHODSSeventy-five cases of juvenile endemic goitre were randomly divided into a treatment group treated with auricular acupuncture combined with iodine salt, and a control group treated with iodine salt alone. The changes of T3, T4 and TSH contents were observed in the two groups.

RESULTSAfter treatment, serum T3 increased and TSH decreased in the treatment group as compared with the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAuricular acupuncture combined with iodine salt can promote reduction of endemic goitre or elimination, and effectively regulate synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones.

Acupuncture, Ear ; Adolescent ; Goiter, Endemic ; Humans ; Iodine ; Thyroid Hormones ; blood ; Thyrotropin ; blood

OBJECTIVETo investigate the neonatal umbilical cord blood thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level in the universal iodized salt areas and put forward the cut-point, then analyze its application.

METHODSSeven provinces were selected where the pregnant women having satisfied urinary iodine levels, then the urinary samples of pregnant women and the neonates cord blood were collected for urine iodine and TSH tests, and the relative factors were also recorded.

RESULTSTotal 1 524 urine and cord blood samples were collected from pregnant women and their new borns respectively. The median urinary iodine of pregnant women was 246.0 micro g/L, and the median TSH was 3.58 mU/L. The TSH level among seven areas and the neonatal delivery type varied significantly.

CONCLUSIONSThe neonatal cord blood TSH was influenced by several factors and could not be controlled, thus not be suitable as a iodine deficiency disorders surveillance indicator.

Delivery, Obstetric ; Female ; Fetal Blood ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Iodine ; pharmacology ; urine ; Pregnancy ; Thyrotropin ; blood

Children who are born in a community with insufficient micronutrients, particularly iodine in remote rural areas are associated with low intellectual functions and mental retardation. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to determine the mental performance of the schoolchildren in Bario, a highland settlement of the Kelabit people in the district of Baram, Sarawak and to determine its correlation with the availability of iodine in the environment, as well as other micronutrients such as selenium, copper and manganese. A total of 25 schoolchildren in Bario age ranging from 7 to 12 years old participated in the study. Mental performance of the schoolchildren were tested using TONI-2 (Test of Nonverbal Intelligence--second edition), a cognitive ability measures with a response format which eliminates language and reduces motoric and cultural factors. The iodine levels from several wells, soils and salt found in Bario were determined using HPLC (software version 3.05.01) whilst serum levels of selenium, copper and manganese were measured using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (GFAAS). The results showed that the median and mode scores of intelligence quotient for Bario were 82 and 75, respectively, whilst median and mode scores of intelligence percentile were 11.0 and 5.0, respectively. The maximum score achieved were at the average level with the quotient score between 90-110. It was found that salt produced from one of the wells in Bario contained high quantity of iodine. Based on standards established by the Trace Elements Laboratory, Roben Institute, University of Surrey, United Kingdom, schoolchildren in Bario are having sufficient blood levels of copper and a high selenium and manganese levels. Despite the remoteness of the study area, the schoolchildren in Bario, Sarawak showed higher mental performance compared to other isolated areas. This is probably correlated with the high micronutrients availability, particularly iodine, found naturally in Bario.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Iodine/*blood ; Malaysia ; *Mental Processes ; Micronutrients/*blood ; Soil/*analysis ; Water/*analysis

OBJECTIVETo study iodine nutrition of pregnant women in different occasions and thyroid function of their neonates.

METHODSUrinary iodine of pregnant women and their serum T(3), T(4), FT(3), FT(4) were determined by chloric acid-digestion thermostatic assay and RIA, TSH determination by IRMA; neonatal umbilical cord blood TSH was determined by ELISA.

RESULTSMedian urinary iodine of pregnant women were 206.3 microg/L, 161.4 microg/L, 203.3 microg/L at 10 - 14 (first occasion), 23 - 27 (second occasion) and 39 - 40 (third occasion) week but the percentage that lower than 100 microg/L were 14.6%, 17.1%, 11.1% respectively. Serum T(3), T(4) of pregnant women was significantly higher than those women of premarital health inspection (PHIW, P < 0.001). The difference of serum T(3), T(4) of pregnant women at 10 - 14 and 39 - 40 week was not significant. Serum FT(3), FT(4) of pregnant women at 39 - 40 week were 2.61 +/- 0.47 pmol/L and 5.50 +/- 1.57 pmol/L respectively. The difference of serum TSH concentration at third occasion and first occasion of pre-pregnancy was significant but the difference of TSH frequency distribution in three groups was not significant (chi(2) = 1.138, P > 0.5). Blood TSH median neonatal umbilical cord was 1.99 mU/L but the percentage that higher than 5 mU/L was 9.4%.

CONCLUSIONFor those areas with high iodized salt coverage, pregnant women had had sufficient iodine supplement and good thyroid function. The percentage of neonates from iodine sufficient pregnant women with TSH > 5 mU/L was lower than 10%. Using the normal range of nonpregnant FT(3) and FT(4) to estimate the thyroid function of pregnant women could cause mis diagnosis.

Female ; Fetal Blood ; chemistry ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Iodine ; urine ; Pregnancy ; Thyroid Gland ; physiology ; Thyroid Hormones ; blood ; Thyrotropin ; blood

Objective To dynamically observe the early change of thyroglobulin(Tg) levels after (131)I therapy in differentiated thyroid cancer(DTC) patients. Methods The study enrolled 22 post-total-thyroidectomy DTC patients and they were stratified as low to intermediate recurrence according to the 2009 American Thyroid Association Guidelines. The clinical data including pre-ablation stimulated Tg (ps-Tg),corresponding thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH),anti-thyroglobulin (TgAb) values,and the afterwards parameters were dynamically measured each week in the first month after (131)I therapy. Values collected at the first time were defined as Tg 0 and TSH0,while Tg1 and TSH1 were collected at the first week after (131)I therapy respectively. Then the variation trend curves of Tg were drawn,and factors influencing the variation of Tg were analyzed. Two groups were divided according to Tg levels:G1 (Tg≤0.1 ng/ml,n=9) and G2(Tg>0.1 ng/ml,n=13). Results The rates of negative Tg were 4.5%,18.0%,27.0%,36.0%,and 41.0%,respectively,exactly before (131)I therapy and the 1(st),2(nd),3(rd),and 4(th) week after the therapy. One-way analysis of variance showed that the two groups statistically differed in age (F=3.182,P=0.04) and remnant thyroid (U=4.849,P=0.026). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that early negative Tg was related to remnant thyroid tissue (OR:2.132;95%Cl:1.418- 6.532,P=0.009). Conclusions Negative Tg can be achieved in nearly half of DTC patients by the end of first month after (131)I therapy. The negative conversion is closely related with the volume of remnant thyroid tissue.
Autoantibodies ; blood ; Humans ; Iodine Radioisotopes ; therapeutic use ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Thyroglobulin ; blood ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; radiotherapy ; Thyroidectomy ; Thyrotropin ; blood

BACKGROUND: Reducing skin contamination rate and improving the positive rate in blood culture is essential for the correct diagnosis and management of sepsis. Chlorhexidine-alcohol was compared with povidone-iodine for the efficiency of disinfection. Positive rates were compared between the collection of 10 mL and 20 mL of blood per sample. METHODS: The study population included adult patients > or = 18 years old requested for blood culture in the Emergency Department. Povidone-iodine (10%) was used for antiseptic skin preparation from March to June 2011, and 0.5% chlorhexidine-alcohol from July to October 2011. The standard for blood collection was 10 mL in the first period and 20 mL in the second period. The dedicated phlebotomists had been educated on the optimal skin preparation and sample collection. RESULTS: After 10% povidone-iodine application, 31 of 2,755 samples (1.1%) were considered to be contaminated; whereas, a total of 60 of 3,064 samples (2.0%) were contaminated (P=0.011) after application of 0.5% chlorhexidine-alcohol. The positive rate of blood culture was 12.5% (345/2,755) in the first period versus 17.1% (524/3,064) in the second period (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Both disinfectants appeared acceptable for skin preparation for blood culture collection, although chlorhexidine-alcohol had a higher contamination rate than povidone-iodine. The positive rate of blood culture was in accordance with the amount of sample collected. Continuous education and monitoring are needed for the proper collection and management of blood culture.
Adult ; Antisepsis ; Blood Volume ; Disinfectants ; Disinfection ; Emergencies ; Humans ; Povidone-Iodine ; Sepsis ; Skin

BACKGROUND: Although many laboratories use automated blood culture systems, adequate skin disinfection and optimal blood volume are still critical for successful culture. The authors undertook a nationwide survey to understand the current situation and problems of blood culture in Korea. METHODS: A survey of blood culture was performed in March and April 2010, including disinfectants, blood collection intervals, and recommended blood volumes. The laboratory physicians described the storage condition of culture bottles before delivery to the equipment. For quality control, the positive rate and skin contamination rate were studied. RESULTS: Replies to the survey were collected from 74 Korean hospitals. Povidone iodine after either isopropyl alcohol or ethanol application was the most common means of skin disinfection. Sampling of a second set of cultures was performed simultaneously in 38% of hospitals and after a 30-min interval in 50%. The recommended blood volume was 10 mL in most cases (69%), but was 20 mL in 24% of cases. The bottles were stored at 37degrees C before installation in 23% of cases and at room temperature in 16%, whereas 57% were placed directly in the equipment during the night shift. Positive rates ranged 8-10% in 32% of hospitals, 5-8% in 23%, and <5% in 12%. Skin contamination rates were 2-3% in 32% of hospitals, 1-2% in 27%, and >3% in 13%. CONCLUSION: Skin disinfection methods were rather variable. Sampling interval, blood volume, and storage of bottles should be standardized. More than 10% of the hospitals require quality improvement in terms of positive rate and skin contamination rates.
2-Propanol ; Bacteremia ; Blood Volume ; Disinfectants ; Disinfection ; Ethanol ; Povidone-Iodine ; Quality Control ; Quality Improvement ; Sepsis ; Skin

We measured the intraocular pressure changes in forty female patients (aged from 20 to 50) without a history of ocular or cardiovascular disease who were classified physical status 1 and 2, and scheduled for elective surgery. They were divided into 4 groups. Group l (n=10); metocurime 0.03 mg/kg as a priming dose and metocurine 0.27 mg/ kg as a intubating dose. Group 2 (n= 10); vecuronium 0.008 mg/kg as a priming dose and vecuronium 0.072 mg as a intubating dose. Group 3 (n=10); vecuronium 0.008mg/kg as a priming dose and metocurine 0.27 mg/kg as a intubating dose. Group 4 (n=10); metocurine 0.03mg/kg as a priming dose and vecuronium 0.072 mg/kg as a intubating dose. In this study, metocurine and vecuronium were used with the priming principle. We also measured changes in blood pressure, pulse rate and T1% of Train of four stimulation and evaluated the discomfort after the administration of the priming dose and the difficulties of intubation. The results were as follows, 1) Compared with the control value, there was no increse in intraocular pressure following intubation in all four groups and intraocular pressure of 2 and 4 minutes following intubation decreased significantly in all four groups. The greatest decrease was seen in group 3, but it was not significant when compared to the other three groups. 2) While a transient increase in blood pressure was seen in all four groups, the lowest increase was seen in group 3 as compared to the control value. Blood pressure 4 minutes following intubation decreased significantly in grop 3. 3) A significant decrease in the T1% of the Train of four stimuli at one minute after administration of the intubating dose was seen in group 3 compared to the other three groups. 4) Group 3 showed the lowest number of difficult intubation. In conclusion, the combination of vecuronium and metoeurine with the priming principle provide optimal conditions for smooth and rapid intubation with no elevation of intraocular pressure, blood pressure and heart rate changes for ocular surgery.
Blood Pressure ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Female ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Intraocular Pressure* ; Intubation ; Iodine* ; Vecuronium Bromide*

Thyroglobulin (Tg) and radioiodine whole body scan (WBS) have been commonly used in follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Tg is associated with radioiodine uptake in local or distant metastases. In minority of patients, the follow-up scan shows no functioning thyroid tissue, but the serum thyroglobulin is still elevated. Therefore, we review recent developments of diagnosis and treatment of those patients with differentiated thyroid cancer and with thyroglobulin elevation but negative iodine scintigraphy.
Humans ; Iodine Radioisotopes ; Radionuclide Imaging ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Thyroglobulin ; blood ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy

BACKGROUND: Transfusion-associated bacterial contamination (TABC) have become one of the major hazards of transfusion and the donors' normal skin flora is considered to be the most important source of contamination. We therefore evaluated the effectiveness of single-use blood donor arm antiseptic kits available on the Korean market. METHODS: Forty-eight antiseptic kits of two manufacturers consisting of 70% isopropyl alcohol swab stick and 10% povidone iodine swab stick were evaluated for their performance in reducing the bacterial load of the skin before and after disinfection. Staff response about ease of use was also evaluated. RESULTS: Whereas before disinfection the mean bacterial count was 5 CFU/plate or less, after disinfection bacterial growth was hardly observed. Overall both antiseptic kits showed a percent reduction of more than 98% compared to predisinfection. The amount of antiseptic solution of one manufacturers' kit was excessive and leakage of the antiseptic solution was also observed. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of both antiseptic kits evaluated in this study was satisfactory to be used for blood donors, but an improvement to the packaging of one manufacturers' kit is required before it can be used in the field.
2-Propanol ; Arm* ; Bacterial Load ; Blood Donors* ; Disinfection ; Humans ; Povidone-Iodine ; Product Packaging ; Skin