Congenital hypothyroidism

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Thyroid gland

Cretinism

Early diagnosis is very important. Most of the effects of hypothyroidism are easily reversible. However, critical development of the nervous system takes place in the first few months after birth. Thyroid hormone deficiency may result in irreversible damage to the nervous system with marked mental retardation.

Replacement therapy with thyroxine is the standard treatment of hypothyroidism. Once medication starts, the blood levels of TSH and free T4 are monitored to keep the values within a normal range.

Very early diagnosis generally results in a good outcome for the infant, in terms of growth and mental capability. Newborns diagnosed and treated in the first month to month-and-a-half generally develop normal intelligence. Absence of thyroid hormone during early life gives a poor outlook in terms of mental development.

• Mental retardation
• Growth retardation

Call your health care provider if you feel your child shows signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism, if you are pregnant and are exposed to antithyroid drugs or procedures, or have signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Review Date: 10/20/2005
Reviewed By: Nikheel S. Kolatkar, MD, Clinical and Research Fellow, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.