Abstract
It has been proposed that early diagnosis and treatment of congenital hypothyroidism (HYPO) based on neonatal screening will improve outcome. To test this hypothesis, we performed standard psychological tests (Gesell, Stanford Binet, Wechsler) in 3 groups of children with treated HYPO: 14 discovered by neonatal screening (SCRN) and 24 diagnosed prior to institution of screening (15 with thyroid agenesis (AGEN), 9 with ectopic thyroid (ECT)). Age at initial treatment (weeks) differed in the 3 groups (SCRN: 4.6 ± 0.8 (SEM); AGEN: 19.3 ± 4.0; ECT: 46.4 ± 8.3), although age at testing averaged 3.3 yrs in all 3 groups. The global DQ/IQ score was lowest in AGEN (82 ± 6; range 52–142), intermediate in ECT (93 ± 10; range 56–141) and highest in SCRN (104 ± 4; range 75–127). In the AGEN group, there was an inverse relationship between the age treatment was started and the subsequent DQ/IQ score (p < 0.05). This inverse relationship was not observed in the SCRN group, thus suggesting the effect of intrauterine hypothyroidism. We conclude that neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism results in earlier diagnosis than use of clinical criteria alone, and the consequent early treatment results in improved mental development. These data indicate the importance of prenatal detection and treatment of the hypothyroid fetus.
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Sack, J., Elicer, A., Sofrin, R. et al. 490 NEONATAL SCREENING FOR CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM: BENEFICIAL EFFECT OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT. Pediatr Res 19, 192 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00520
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00520
