Prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism In South Khorasan province (2006-2010)

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is among the most common endocrine disorders in children and a preventable cause of mental retardation. The present study was performed to determine the prevalence and related risk factors of hypothyroidism in neonates in South Khorasan. This descriptive-retrospective study was conducted on the data collected through the Neonatal CH Screening Project in South Khorasan during four years (March 2006 - March 2010). Neonates whose TSH of the heel blood was ≥5 mU/L were recalled and if the serum TSH was ≥10 mU/L they were accounted as hypothyroid cases. Finally، SPSS software was used to analyze the obtained data. From 38987 neonates، 1248 cases (3. 21%) were recalled and serum TSH of 71 neonates was ≥10 mU/L which was a symptom of hypothyroidism. In the initial screening of hypothyroidism in neonates TSH of the heel blood in 45% was found to be 5-10 mU/L، in 20% it was 10-19. 9، and in 35% it was ≥ 20. Prevalence of the disease was 1 in 549 living births. Hypothyroidism in boys was 6% more than girls. 98. 6% of the sick neonates'' mothers did not have hypothyroidism 50. 7 % of the cases lived in city. Regarding the significance of the disease in developing mental retardation، it is necessary to persuade parents to have their neonates take part in neonatal hypothyroidism screening plan.