Physical, intellectual and pubertal development in children with congenital hypothyroidism at the National Children’s hospital
Main Article Content
Abstract
Congenital hypothyroidism is a leading preventable cause of impaired physical and intellectual development. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 137 children aged 8–18 years old diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism and managed at the National Children's Hospital; we describe their physical, intellectual and pubertal development and compare outcomes by method of detection. 27.7% were detected through newborn screening. Mean height-for-age Z-score was −0.84 ± 1.22 (p < 0.001 vs. WHO reference); the stunting rate was 15.3%. Mean IQ was 95.75 ± 15.09 (p = 0.007) while 14.9% had IQ < 80. Bone age was delayed by a mean of 1.23 years. Puberty was generally normal, with two cases of precocious puberty. The screening group had a higher height-for-age Z-score and IQ than the clinically diagnosed group; however, after adjustment for age at diagnosis and current age, the method of detection was no longer independently associated with outcomes, whereas earlier age at diagnosis was an independent predictor of better outcomes. Early detection and treatment are associated with improved physical and intellectual development in children with congenital hypothyroidism.
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Keywords
Congenital hypothyroidism, physical development, intellectual development, puberty, newborn screening, levothyroxine
References
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