PubMed · 7350346
The source did not provide an abstract. Follow the original record for more information.
Explore connections, maps & timelines
J R Schenken. 1980-01-11. Congenital hypothyroidism control programs.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7350346/
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.
KEEP EXPLORING
In September 1991, a pilot scheme was inaugurated to screen all babies born at the Royal and Khoula Hospitals for congenital hypothyroidism (CHT). By December 1995, 36,000 babies were screened and 16 cases of congenital hypothyroidism were diagnosed. This suggests an incidence of 1:2200 which is higher than the reported incidence in Caucasian populations and similar to the incidence reported from Saudi Arabia. This report summarizes our experience for the first 5 years.
Thyroid hormones are integral to the development and maturation of the central nervous system as well as normal growth and development. Comprehensive knowledge of the maturation and function of the thyroid gland is essential to understanding the pathophysiology of thyroid dysfunction. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment in thyroid disease are imperative for normalization of thyroid hormone ratios. Optimal management includes early introduction and strict adherence to a regimen of L-thyroxine and routine monitoring of thyroid levels throughout life. Parents need to understand the importance of consistent medication administration and daily assessment of well-being because these actions are crucial to the attainment of an optimal level of development for infants with congenital hypothyroidism.
Screening for congenital hypothyroidism was carried out by measuring thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) on dried blood spots (mean + 2SD cut off value 12 microU/ml) by fluoroimmunoassay using DELFIA kits. A total of 20,021 infants were screened, and seven cases with congenital hypothyroidism were detected, giving an incidence of congenital hypothyroidism of 1:2860 (female:male ratio 6:1). In four of seven infants with congenital hypothyroidism (57%) the mother also had thyroid disease, supporting the importance of genetic factors as a cause of congenital hypothyroidism. Transient hyperthyrotropinaemia occurred in 654 infants (recall rate 3.3%). There was a significant association of transient hyperthyrotropinaemia only with cardiac failure at birth or caesarean section (p < 0.01). Family studies showed no predisposition to thyroid diseases associated with a transient increase of TSH.