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Hypothyroid disease in newborns

Hypothyroid in newborn infants is a disease that affects approximately one out of every 3,000 births. Girls appear to be twice as likely to contract hypothyroidism than boys, but the reason for this is not clear. Hypothyroid in newborns usually has few symptoms, but as the disease progress the symptoms become more pronounced.

Symptoms of advanced hypothyroid in newborns include a puffy-looking appearance, dry brittle hair, a receding hairline, a swollen tongue, constipation, lethargy, and jaundice. If left untreated, hypothyroid in newborns can result in both growth and mental retardation.

Hypothyroid in newborn infants can be caused by several problems. These problems include a missing or abnormally developed thyroid gland, a pituitary gland that does not properly stimulate the thyroid, or the newborns inability to assimilate thyroid hormones. A simple blood test that measures the TSH and TBG levels in the infant can determine whether or not the infant has hypothyroidism. This test, sometimes called a heel-stick test, because the blood is drawn from the newborn's heel, is usually done right after birth. Early diagnosis of hypothyroid in newborns is critical to prevent permanent damage to the infant.

Hypothyroid in newborn infants is treatable, and is treated by the administration of thyroxine, an artificial thyroid hormone. The infant is then monitored closely to ensure that its levels of TSH and T4 are within acceptable ranges. Hypothyroid in newborn infants is completely treatable, but in order to prevent permanent damage to the newborn early detection is the key.

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