Congenital hypothyroidism is commonly acquired sporadically, most often due to thyroid hypoplasia, dysplasia, or aplasia. Less commonly, it can be due to maternal antithyroid antibodies, goiter, peripheral resistance, and iodine deficiency.
Congenital hypothyroidism is often asymptomatic at birth as the placenta was previously supplying maternal thyroid (T4) hormones.
If the neonate is symptomatic, then the 7Ps of congenital hypothyroidism can involve the neonate being Pot-bellied, Pale, Puffy-faced, Protruding umbilicus, Protuberant tongue, Poor brain development, and Prolonged neonatal jaundice.
If the neonate is symptomatic, then the 7Ps of congenital hypothyroidism can involve the neonate being Pot-bellied, Pale, Puffy-faced, Protruding umbilicus, Protuberant tongue, Poor brain development, and Prolonged neonatal jaundice.
If the neonate is symptomatic, then the 7Ps of congenital hypothyroidism can involve the neonate being Pot-bellied, Pale, Puffy-faced, Protruding umbilicus, Protuberant tongue, Poor brain development, and Prolonged neonatal jaundice.
If the neonate is symptomatic, then the 7Ps of congenital hypothyroidism can involve the neonate being Pot-bellied, Pale, Puffy-faced, Protruding umbilicus, Protuberant tongue, Poor brain development, and Prolonged neonatal jaundice.
If the neonate is symptomatic, then the 7Ps of congenital hypothyroidism can involve the neonate being Pot-bellied, Pale, Puffy-faced, Protruding umbilicus, Protuberant tongue, Poor brain development, and Prolonged neonatal jaundice.
If the neonate is symptomatic, then the 7Ps of congenital hypothyroidism can involve the neonate being Pot-bellied, Pale, Puffy-faced, Protruding umbilicus, Protuberant tongue, Poor brain development, and Prolonged neonatal jaundice.
If the neonate is symptomatic, then the 7Ps of congenital hypothyroidism can involve the neonate being Pot-bellied, Pale, Puffy-faced, Protruding umbilicus, Protuberant tongue, Poor brain development, and Prolonged neonatal jaundice.
As most neonates are asymptomatic in congenital hypothyroidism, it becomes important to rely on neonatal screening within the first 24-48 hours. TSH levels are measured, and if congenital hypothyroidism is diagnosed and addressed early, then therapy can be initiated and irreversible brain disabilities potentially avoided.
Neonatal screening to evaluate TSH levels is performed within the first 24-48 hours after birth. Elevated levels of TSH can indicate congenital hypothyroidism.
Congenital hypothyroidism involves the lifelong replacement of thyroid hormone with optimal normalization within 2-3 weeks in order to protect the brain from substantial damage.
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