A STUDY ON INCIDENCE AND MANAGEMENT OF CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM AT A SECONDARY LEVEL HOSPITAL IN SOUTHERN INDIA

Abstract

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the most common preventable causes of intellectual disability. Congenital hypothyroidism is a thyroid hormone deficit that exists from birth. This study aimed to prevent repercussions of congenital hypothyroidism in paediatrics with prior evaluation of TSH levels in the umbilical cord and assess and report the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism and also assess response to treatment based on latest TSH value. Methodology: This observational retrospective study was conducted over a period of 6 months in Secondary rural care hospital. Cord Blood TSH (CBTSH) ≥ 20 mIU/L was taken as cutoff for screening and all screened positive neonates were retested for serum TSH by taking venous samples within 3 to 7 days for term, and after 14 days for preterm. Results: Total 14075 CBTSH samples were analysed. Out of which 1108 came out to be screen positive. (Recall rate 7.87%). Screen-positive cases dropped to 428 due to loss of follow-up, out of which 23 were confirmed as CH (incidence – 1.7 per thousand live births). Conclusion: Based on prior research, the incidence of CH is significantly greater in the southern east region than predicted. All things considered, CH appears to be more common in India than in other countries, which makes a national screening programme necessary.