The influence of iodine deficiency during pregnancy on child neurodevelopment 0-24 months of age in East Java, Indonesia

Background: Development of the nervous system depends on an adequate intake of iodine. Infants and preschool-age children are vulnerable to iodine deficiency. Data is lacking on early neurodevelopmental of young children residing in iodine deficient area (IDA) and iodine-replete area (IRA). Objectives and methods: To investigate the effect of iodine deficiency during pregnancy on child development, by comparing the early development of children in an IDA, IRA with a non iodine-deficient area (NIDA) in Java, Indonesia. Results: Children from 0-24 months of age in IDA showed delay in fine motor, adaptation, personal-social, communication and gross motor development when compared to children in NIDA. Children in IRA fared better, but were also abnormal except in gross motor development. The somatic growth of these children were normal. Strabismus was the most common clinical finding seen in 25.7% of children in IDA, and 14.9% in IRA. Conclusion: Iodine deficiency during pregnancy affect global neurodevelopment of young non- cretinous children.