Congenital hypothyroidism is an important cause of poor growth and delayed mentation in neonates and infants.
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is inadequate thyroid hormone production in newborn infants. It can occur because of an anatomic defect in the gland, an inborn error of thyroid metabolism, or iodine deficiency. CH is the most common neonatal endocrine disorder, and historically, thyroid dysgenesis was thought to account for approximately 80% of cases.
Symptoms
Signs of cretinism or congenital hypothyroidism in a newborn include:
- lack of weight gain
- stunted growth
- fatigue, lethargy
- poor feeding
- thickened facial features
- abnormal bone growth
- mental retardation
- very little crying
- excessive sleep
- constipation
- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- floppiness, low muscle tone
- hoarse voice
- unusually large tongue
- swelling near the navel (umbilical hernia)
- cool, dry skin
- pale skin
- swelling of the skin (myxedema)
- swelling in the neck from an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
Congenital hypothyroidism can be identified by a small heel prick blood to see if your baby has an elevated TSH. Elevated TSH on heel prick could be a pointer to a defective function of thyroid gland. This has to be confirmed by a venous blood test. Subsequently, your baby may undergo scans to ascertain the cause and duration of therapy. If congenital hypothyroidism is recognised early, medication will be adviced for your baby.
Taking the medicine will ensure that your baby’s growth and mentation is preserved. Next time you visit your paediatrician for vaccination, do ask you doctor if your baby has been screened for congenital hypothyroidism – is it your baby’s birth right!
Articles by
Dr Hemchand K Prasad
Consultant, Pediatric Endocrinologist
Dr Mehta’s Hospitals, Chetpet