Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a condition where a newborn’s thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which are essential for brain development, metabolism, and growth. If left untreated, CH can lead to intellectual disabilities, growth delays, and developmental issues.
📌 Fact: Thanks to newborn screening programs detect congenital hypothyroidism early, allowing for immediate treatment and preventing lifelong complications.
🩺 Why Is Early Detection So Important?
Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in brain development, especially in the first few weeks of life. Without enough thyroid hormones, a baby’s brain and body growth can be severely affected. However, symptoms of CH are often mild or unnoticed at birth, making screening tests essential for early diagnosis.
📌 Fact: Before newborn screening was introduced, congenital hypothyroidism was one of the most common preventable causes of intellectual disability.
🧪 How Do Newborn Screening Programs Detect CH?
🩸 Heel Prick Test (Newborn Blood Spot Test) – Performed within 24-48 hours after birth, this test measures:
✔ Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) – High levels indicate an underactive thyroid.
✔ Thyroxine (T4) Levels – Low levels suggest hypothyroidism.
📌 Fact: CH occurs in about 1 in 2,000 to 4,000 newborns, but early treatment with thyroid hormone therapy allows normal development.
🚨 What Happens If CH Is Not Treated?
If left untreated, congenital hypothyroidism can cause:
❌ Severe intellectual disability (due to impaired brain growth).
❌ Delayed physical growth (short stature, slow bone development).
❌ Sluggishness, poor feeding, and weak muscle tone.
📌 Fact: With early diagnosis and daily thyroid hormone treatment, babies with CH develop normally and lead healthy lives.
📌 Final Thoughts
Newborn screening programs have transformed the outlook for babies with congenital hypothyroidism by enabling early detection and treatment. With proper care, newborns diagnosed with CH can grow and develop just like any other child.
