[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIRS read with great
interest " Crusader's " article in the Spectator of April 4th on iodine as a remedy for goitre. Not only have I myself been taken with this article but others to whom I have shown it. We should all feel grateful if " Crusader " could tell us whether iodine has a beneficial result in cases of exophthahnic goitre or otherwise ? I have heard it whispered lately that the Italians were conducting experiments with iodine for the cure of this disease, but can glean nothing further about it. If " Crusader " can give us any information we shall be interested.—I am, Sir, &c.,
SARACEN.
[" Crusader " writes : New evidence is published this year by Dr. F.' R. Fraser from St. Thomas's Hospital, which shows that iodine may be of great value in exophthalmic goitre (British Medical Journal, January 3rd, 1925). Many small goitres vanish in children to whose diet iodine is restored. Whether any particular goitre will thus disappear without operation is, of course, a question for the clinician who sees the case. No such " institution " as is asked for is needed. The statistics show, according to Colonel McCarrison, the highest authority, that " five per cent. of all goitrous mothers are liable to give birth to cretinous, imbecile or otherwise defective children." It is reported from. SWitzerland that since the iodine-prophylaxis has been extended to expectant mothers, no more cretins arc being born.--En. Spectator.]
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