Neonatal screening for hypothyroidism at Sakaeo Crown Prince Hospital.

Abstract

Objectives : To detect newborns with congenital hypothyroidism by TSH screening 5 and to treat the affected infants as early as possible. To find the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism in neonates born at Sakaeo Crown Prince Hospital from May 2000 to September 2003.

Material and Method : TSH screening for congenital hypothyroidism was done in neonates born at Sakaeo Crown Prince Hospital from May 2000 to September 2003. Blood TSH level were determined on neonates at ≥ 48 hr. but ≤ 7 days after birth. Infants with elevated TSH level of greater than the cut - off level (25 mu/L) were recalled for reevaluation which consist of complete physical examination, blood test for serum T3, T4 and TSH and thyroxine therapy according to national recommended guideline.

Results : From May 2000 to September 2003, 8,294 neonates were screened for congenital hypothyroidism (100 percent coverage). The recall rate was 0.18 percent and response rate was 100 percent. Primary congenital hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 2 infants.The incidence was 1 : 4,147. The median age at initiation of thyroxine therapy was 23 days (rang, 13 - 38 days).

Conclusion : This study confirms the benefit of the screening program in carly detection and treatment of congenital yhpothyroidism. Improvement of parentûs education,communication and monitoring should be emphyasized.