The Prevalence of Thyroid Nodules and Their Association with Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in a Moderate Iodine Intake Area

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Abstract
Background: To investigate the prevalence of thyroid nodules (TNs) and to evaluate the association between TNs and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the moderate iodine intake area of Jiangsu, China. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a Chinese community-based epidemiological investigation from January to December 2014. A questionnaire was completed by 6494 subjects (2427 men and 4067 women). Thyroid ultrasound was performed by using a 7.5-MHz linear probe. MetS was defined according to the 2006 International Diabetes Federation criteria. Results: The prevalence of TNs in the study population was 17.7% (12.9% for men and 20.6% for women) and significantly higher in subjects with MetS [MetS(+)] than in those without MetS [MetS(−)] (25.8% vs. 15.5%, χ 2 = 78.471, P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression indicated that (in addition to female sex and increased age) increased fasting plasma glucose (FPG), waist circumference (WC), hypertension, and smoking were positively associated with the prevalence of TNs. Conclusions: Our findings indicated a positive association between MetS and formation of TNs. Increased WC and FPG, as well as hypertension, might increase the prevalence of TNs.

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