The most sensitive indicator of 'Environmental iodine deficiency' is:-: (A) Serum T4 levels, (B) Serum T3 levels, (C) Urine iodine excretion, (D) Neonatal hypothyroidism
Answer is D. Neonatal hypothyroidism is the most sensitive indicator of environmental iodine deficiency. Other useful indicators for assessment of Iodine deficiency: Prevalence of goiter Prevalence of cretinism Urinary iodine excretion (Major impact indicator) Measurement of thyroid function by determination of serum T4, TSH.