Congenital hypothyroidism is a thyroid gland disorder that may lead to deafness or mental retardation if left undetected. Studies show that one out of 4,000 children is suffering from congenital hypothyroidism. This may be prevented though through new born screening. Congenital hypothyroidism is mainly caused by the thyroid gland that is not able to produce enough thyroid hormones for the body.
The thyroid gland plays a vital role since the thyroid hormones it produces are used in the normal function of all the organs in the body. Thyroid hormones are also essential for normal brain development. Infants suffering from congenital hypothyroidism may not show any signs or symptoms until after three months. Congenital hypothyroidism is said to appear and is clinically normal in infants during the first three months. After which, one’s brain development may be impaired.
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Congenital Hypothyroidism Screening
Congenital hypothyroidism occurs when a baby is born with a thyroid gland that is not able to produce enough thyroid hormones. If this is left untreated, this may cause mental retardation. A blood sample will be taken for thyroid testing. Thyroid supplements may be prescribe of the thyroid test result shows congenital hypothyroidism.
However, there are limitations for congenital hypothyroidism screening. The thyroid test only measures the amount of thyroid hormones present in the baby’s blood at the time the test was performed. There are instances that the thyroid hormones of the mother may be present at the baby’s blood circulation that may hide the baby’s low thyroid hormone level. To be more accurate in the diagnosis of a baby with congenital hypothyroidism, it is best to do the following for congenital hypothyroidism screening:
- Thyroid testing should be done prior to the baby being discharged but not later than 7 days of age.
- A second specimen should be tested before 2 weeks of age if the baby’s blood was collected prior to 24 hours of age.
- The specimen or blood test should be collected between 2 to 6 days of age.
Interesting Questions about Thyroid:
Hyperthyroidism from any cause can make the upper eyelids pull back, but Graves’ disease often causes one or both eyes to bulge out of their sockets. This condition, known as exophthalmos, can cause loss of eye muscle control, double vision, and (rarely) loss of vision. Most cases require no treatment, but some patients may need to see an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) for specialized treatment. This may include steroids, radiation, or surgery.
As with any disease, it is important that you watch for the early warning signs of hyperthyroidism. However, only your doctor can tell for sure whether or not you have the disease. Your doctor may examine:
- your history and physical appearance
- the amount of thyroid hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid stimulating antibodies in your blood
- the structure and function of your thyroid gland, using thyroid imaging, which takes a picture of the gland after you have been given a small amount of radioactive iodine
As with any disease, it is important that you watch for the early warning signs of hypothyroidism. However, only your doctor can tell for sure whether or not you have the disease. Your doctor may examine:
- your history and physical appearance
- the amount of thyroid hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and antithyroid antibodies in your blood.
Have more questions? Need more answers? Check our Full Thyroid FAQ
Congenital Hypothyroidism in Newborns /Infants
Congenital hypothyroidism in newborns and or infants is also known as deficiency of thyroid hormones at birth. With the help of newborn screening, congenital hypothyroidism is now extremely rare. With newborn screening, parents are able to check their baby’s health before it can get any worse. Failure to properly treat congenital hypothyroidism may cause mental retardation. Studies show that congenital hypothyroidism is one of the common causes of mental retardation.
However, congenital hypothyroidism can be treated. There are two types of congenital hypothyroidism, permanent congenital hypothyroidism and transient hypothyroidism. Permanent congenital hypothyroidism is commonly caused by a defect or abnormal development of the thyroid gland. This type of congenital hypothyroidism requires a lifelong treatment. As for transient congenital hypothyroidism, this may be caused by iron deficiency or fetus or newborn’s exposure to high doses of iodine.
In these cases, treatment and medication will then be given by the attending physician. It is best for a baby to undergo newborn screening just to make sure that all possibilities of a baby suffering from any ailment any disorders may be ruled out. Id any ailment or disorder may be detected, proper treatment and medication may be provided to avoid future complications.
Thyroid FAQ & Links to Related Articles
Parathyroid | There are four parathyroid glands that are normally having the size of a single rice grain. In some normal cases, they can be as big as the size of a pea. |
Hypothyroid | Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism is a disorder that is characterized by abnormal level of thyroid hormones in the body, which is too low. |
Thyroid Glands | The thyroid is a butterfly (pear)-shaped gland, it consists of 2 symmetrical lobes joined by a central isthmus that normally covers the 2nd & 3rd tracheal rings. |
Congenital Hypothyroidism | Congenital hypothyroidism is a thyroid gland disorder that may lead to deafness or mental retardation if left undetected. |
Thyroid Depression | Hypothyroidism can cause depression. Most people don?t realize that this feeling is depression caused by the thyroid gland not functioning as it should. |
Papillary Thyroid Cancer | Papillary thyroid cancer is one of the thyroid cancer types. This type of thyroid cancer arises from the follicles in the thyroid gland. |
Thyroid Gland Function | The thyroid gland is located immediately below the larynx on each side of and anterior to the trachea. It is one of the largest of the endocrine glands |
Thyroid Hormone | These thyroid hormones are responsible in regulating the body?s metabolism, which is how much food will be broken down into useful energy for consumption. |
Thyroid Levels | When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, one may suffer from hyperthyroidism. |
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone | The thyroid stimulating hormone is produced by the pituitary gland. The thyroid stimulating hormone promotes the growth of the thyroid gland. |
Thyroid Hormones | Thyroid hormones are chemical substances produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck. |
Supplements for the Thyroid | Natural thyroid supplements are helpful as a remedy to thyroid disorders. Its natural ingredients assure one of its safeties in taking it. |
Thyroid Symptoms in Women | The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that is the primary responsible in regulating the body?s metabolism. |
Thyroid Surgery | Thyroid surgery is used to treat people with thyroid problems such as thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules and hyperthyroidism. |
Thyroid Test | Thyroid tests or thyroid function tests are done to check the thyroid function in one?s body. A doctor will be able to determine and diagnose the thyroid disorder. |
Thyroid Treatment | Treatment for thyroid disorders should be done to prevent unwanted results caused by the severity of the condition. Consult a physician for more of these treatments. |
Thyroidectomy | Thyroidectomy is a surgical process wherein the whole or a part of the thyroid gland is removed. This surgical process is used to treat thyroid disorders. |
Underactive Thyroid | Having an underactive thyroid is a minor problem but it seeks proper attention to avoid further health problems. Consult a physician about any thyroid problem. |
Low Thyroid | Low thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland is under active. |
Underactive Thyroid Diet | Following a healthy meal plan, exercise and proper medication goes hand in hand to treat hypothyroidism. Consult a physician for a more individualized plan. |
Thyroid Cancer Treatment | Each thyroid cancer treatment depends on the type of thyroid cancer and the extent or stage of the thyroid cancer one is suffering from. |
Parathyroid Hormone Levels | Parathyroid hormones are considered to be the most important endocrine regulator. It basically regulates the calcium and phosphorus concentration in the body. |
Parathyroid Disease | Studies show that since 1925, the standard treatment for parathyroid disease is to surgically remove the parathyroid gland(s) which are overproducing parathyroid hormones. |
Parathyroid Adenoma | Parathyroid adenoma is a small tumor of the parathyroid gland and is known to be the most common disorder of the gland. |
Medullary Thyroid Cancer | Medullary thyroid cancer is one of the types of thyroid cancer. This type of thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men. |
Overactive Thyroid | Most people don?t feel any symptoms. Others can just lose weight and just feel depressed for no reason at all. |
Hypothyroidism | Suppose you go in for a routine checkup and your doctor decides to test your thyroid function. You?ve experienced no thyroid disease symptoms |
Hypothyroidism Symptoms | Hypothyroidism develops for over a long period of time. It?s normally from several months to even several years. |
Hypothyroidism Natural Treatment | People who are suffering from hypothyroidism are advised to get plenty of exercise and have a balanced and healthy diet. The diet must be rich in protein and iodine. |
Hypothyroidism Diet | Self medicating one?s thyroid disorder with hypothyroidism diet pills without proper information of the diet pill does not address the problem. |
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms & Treatment | Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormones more than the body needs. |
Hypothyroidism | Hypothyroidism is one of the chronic diseases in the world. Hypothyroidism is also known as underactive thyroid; hypo means under or below normal. |
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer | Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a type of thyroid cancer that is rare and aggressive. It affects the thyroid gland and most especially its function. |
Thyroid Disorders | Problems arise if the thyroid gland is overactive or underactive. There are three common thyroid disorders. These are hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and the thyroid nodules. |
Thyroid Hair Loss | Hair loss may happen for so many reasons but it is commonly associated to thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. |
Thyroid Function Test | Thyroid Function Tests are the different tests conducted to assess and determine the cause of an individual?s thyroid problems. |
