Summary
The aim of our study was the estimation of the effects, possible side-effects and
immunological reactions after the mass iodine prophylaxis following the Chernobyl
nuclear disaster. 1457 subjects, aged 6-55 yrs, filled in our questionnaires and in
1191 of them the titres of anti-thyroidantibodies (TA) including ATMA - Anti-Human
Thyroid Membrane Antibodies and TGAb - Anti-Thyreoglobulin Antibodies were estimated.
Our study revealed that the prophylaxis, recommended in Poland only for children and
teenagers was widely used (more than 90%) and relatively safe. No serious side effects,
especially in pregnant women consuming KI were reported. The frequency and mean titres
of TA were similar in adults who took and did not take stable iodine. The incidence
of TA could be connected with many different factors including iodine deficiency,
endemy of goitre as well as iodine prophylaxis. The reason of this phenomenon may
be explained in long-term population studies.
Key words
Chernobyl Catastrophe - Iodine Prophylaxis - Antithyroid Antibodies
