Neonatal Screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism in Sawang Dandin Crown Prince Hospital

Abstract

Neonatal thyroid screening test is one of national policy to detect and prevent mental retardation. This retrospective descriptive study was performed to determine the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism in Sawang Dandin Crown Prince Hospital from October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2011. A total of 10,004 newborns underwent neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism and 9 patients were diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism, so the incidence was 1:1,112 live births, recall rate was 0.54 percent, 8 patients was monitored in Sawang Dandin crown Prince Hospital(1 patient was sent to nearby hospital) and 1 of 8 patients was diagnosed with Down syndrome showing delayed development, the others had no clinical sign or symptom of congenital hypothyroidism after treatment and follow up. In conclusion, the neonatal thyroid screening program and clinical practice guideline for congenital hypothyroidism by Ministry of Public Health was very useful to prevent mental retardation.