[Iodine deficiency].

The pathophysiology of endemic thyreopathies in extensive endemies is well known. In recent years considerable attention has been attracted even by moderate iodine deficiency, the result of which is not only goiter but a number of health, social and economic problems. The aim of WHO in this field is to eliminate iodine deficiency in Europe by the year 2000. The contemporary situation of the child population in the Czech Republic as far as the iodine supply is concerned, requires immediate measures.