The Prevalence Rate of Congenital Hypothyroidism in Kerman/Iran in 2005-2007

Introduction: Congenital hypothyroidism (C.H) is one of the most common infants’ endocrine diseases and the cause of mental retardation in newborns. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of C.H and it’s relation with neonatal’s sex, birth weight and height and mothers’ age, gestational age, parents’ educational level, past medical history of thyroid disease in mother and family and consumption of Iodine salt by mother. Methods: A Total of 3000 neonates aged 2-5 days were screened from November 2005 to July 2006. Specimen collection and transportation to lab were performed according to NCCLS and Wisconsin newborn screening program guidelines. Thyroid stimulating Hormone (TSH) concentration in dried blood spot was determined quantitatively using ELISA technique. Results: From 3000 neonates, 23 cases (0.8%) had TSH≥20 mIU/L that were recalled for verification of C.H. Of them, 13 cases (56%) were male and 10 cases (44%) were female. All of 23 infants were detected during 1-2 months after birth and 3 of them had serum TSH≥10 mIU/L. According to the protocol of kit they were considered as hypothyroidism cases and were referred for treatment. Conclusion: Considering the importance of congenital hypothyroidism in mental retardation, neonatal screening programs are of high importance. In this study, the prevalence of the disease was 1 in 1000 that is more than that in developed countries.Therefore, it should be considered as one of the hygienic priorities in our country.