Congenital hypothyroidism

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Thyroid gland

Congenital hypothyroidism

Alternative Names:

Cretinism
Treatment:

Early diagnosis is very important. Most of the effects of hypothyroidism are easily reversible. However, critical development of the nervous system takes place in the first few months after birth. Thyroid hormone deficiency may result in irreversible damage to the nervous system with marked mental retardation.

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Replacement therapy with thyroxine is the standard treatment of hypothyroidism. Once medication starts, the blood levels of TSH and free T4 are monitored to keep the values within a normal range.

Expectations (prognosis):

Very early diagnosis generally results in a good outcome for the infant, in terms of growth and mental capability. Newborns diagnosed and treated in the first month to month-and-a-half generally develop normal intelligence. Absence of thyroid hormone during early life gives a poor outlook in terms of mental development.

Complications:

Mental retardation
Growth retardation

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you feel your child shows signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism, if you are pregnant and are exposed to antithyroid drugs or procedures, or have signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.