Vishwanath Dighole
Assistant professor, Department of Pediatrics, Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhillai
Abstract
Neonatal thyroid screening is essential for the early detection of congenital hypothyroidism (CH), a condition that can lead to severe developmental delays if untreated. The implementation of screening programs has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of complications associated with undiagnosed hypothyroidism in newborns.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the neonatal thyroid screening test in identifying congenital hypothyroidism in infants.Material and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 80 neonates were included in the study, all of whom underwent neonatal thyroid screening within the first week of life. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured, and those with elevated TSH underwent further evaluation.
Results: Out of 80 neonates screened, 6 (7.5%) were identified with elevated TSH levels, and subsequent testing confirmed 3 cases of congenital hypothyroidism. All diagnosed infants received prompt treatment, resulting in normal thyroid function within 6 months.Conclusion: The neonatal thyroid screening test is effective in the early identification of congenital hypothyroidism, enabling timely intervention and improved health outcomes for affected infants. Keywords: Congenital hypothyroidism, Neonatal screening, Thyroid-stimulating hormone, Pediatric health.