[The effect of earlier pregnancies on the prevalence of goiter and nodules in thyroid-healthy women].

Ultrasound scans of the thyroid were performed in 106 women of mean age 41.9 (36-50) years, 53 with and 53 without a history of previous pregnancy, with the object of ascertaining the prevalence of goitre and thyroid nodules. Goitres (defined as a thyroid volume exceeding 18 ml) were found in 22 of the women with previous pregnancies (41.5%). Thyroid nodules were found in 23 of the 106 women (21.6%). Whereas only five of the 53 women without previous pregnancies (9.4%) had thyroid nodules, they were noted in 18 of the 53 women who had had children (33.9%), the difference being statistically significant (P less than 0.05). Thyroid cysts were found in 12 of the 106 women (11.3%), though there was no significant difference between the two groups. Thyroid calcification was noted in only one woman. The results highlight the consequences of iodine deficiency in a region where iodine intake is inadequate (Kiel) and show that the deficiency is accentuated during pregnancy.