Congenital Hypothyroidism: Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment from the Perspective of Current International Guidelines
Congenital hypothyroidism is a pathological condition associated with deficiency of thyroid hormone production, the foundation of which is laid during intrauterine development. Clinically it manifests itself immediately after birth or in the first months of life. Currently the strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of CH are based on neonatal screening and early onset of treatment. This publication presents an overview of international and domestic guidelines. The biggest emphasis of these guidelines is made on the timely initiation of treatment (usually not later than two weeks after birth) and on more active strategies for the management of patients at an early age, which provides the child with potential development comparable to that of peers. Congenital hypothyroidism is considered to be the only form of mental retardation that can be prevented by supplementation during pregnancy if it is impossible to obtain a sufficient amount of iodine with food.