Congenital Hypothyroidism- Newborn Screening- The PIMS Experience

Objective: Screening programs for Congenital Hypothyroidism were established more than 30 years ago, the optimal screening strategy and particularly TSH threshold have not yet been satisfactorily defined. This was obvious in a survey, which outlined the status of neonatal screening in Europe in 2004. Study Design: Prospective Study Patients and Methods: Screening of Congenital Hypothyroidism was performed in newborns delivered in Maternal and Child Health center of Pakistan Institute of Medical sciences, Islamabad. This center has more than 1000 deliveries per month. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and T4 levels were done after 8th day of birth. Results: During 03 years of study period, 1337 newborns were screened. 993 babies reported back with results in OPD. 962 babies HAD level of TSH≤ 10 mU/ml. Border line levels were found in 31 babies, but on repeat test revealed only 03 babies with persistent high levels of TSH. Conclusions: Screening for hypothyroidism must be offered to every newborn at birth.