Outcomes of neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism.

Abstract

The introduction of screening for congenital hypothyroidism has led to a marked improvement in neurodevelopmental outcome that has largely been attributed to the introduction of early treatment in the form of thyroxine. However, recent research has shown that the effect of hypothyroidism on the developing brain can result in specific developmental defects regardless of the early commencement of treatment. These defects consist predominantly of defective motor skills, clumsiness, learning difficulties, and behavior problems.

• Authors: M Dattani, C G Brook
• Journal: Current opinion in pediatrics (Curr Opin Pediatr) Vol. 8 Issue 4 Pg. 389-95 (Aug 1996) ISSN: 1040-8703 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8954273 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Thyroxine

Topics

• Child Development
• Congenital Hypothyroidism
• Humans
• Hypothyroidism (diagnosis, drug therapy, psychology)
• Infant, Newborn
• Neonatal Screening
• Thyroxine (therapeutic use)