Graves' disease in the Inuit population of Greenland. Presentation of five cases observed during a two month period.
Thyroid hormones are important for metabolic regulation. A number of studies have dealt with the effect of arctic living on thyroid hormone secretion and metabolism in healthy animals and humans. Little is however known of the effect of arctic living on the occurrence of thyroid diseases. In a study from Upernavik, Greenland no cases of hyperthyroidism were observed over the 25 years period from 1950 to 1974. We present five cases of hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease observed during a two month period in Nuuk Greenland. The discrepancy could be due to improved diagnostic methods and activity or to a real increase in incidence. Systematic studies of thyroid disorders in Greenland are warranted.
Andersen
S
S
Department of Endocrinology and Medicine, Aalborg Hospital, Denmark.
Hvingel
B
B
Laurberg
P
P
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology; D006116:Greenland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D004930:Inuit / Q000235:genetics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000097:blood
D013963:Thyroid Hormones