Effectiveness of neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism

Introduction: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common preventable cause of mental retardation. Newborn screening program considerably increases probability of CH diagnosis and treatment. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the efficacy of running CH screening program to maintain normal IQ and physical growth of hypothyroid children in Semnan city. Patients and Methods: This study was performed on children with definite CH who were treated and followed up in Semnan health centers. Around 41 children born within 2008-2013 (minimum three years of age) participated. Respective weight and height for age were measured. The Z-scores were calculated based on the WHO-Anthro-Anthro Plus Software. Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was measured with Wechsler Intelligence Score for children-revised (WISC-R). Data analyzed with one-tailed t test compared with age and gender-matched group. Results: The mean IQ Score in our study group was 90.09 (1.73) with no significant difference compared to healthy counterparts (P > 0.05). Z-score for weight and height was -0.46 and -0.45 prospectively and was not significantly different from normal children. Conclusion: Newborn screening program for CH has been effective in preventing mental retardation and growth failure.