Diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento de hipotiroidismo congénito

Abstract

Congenital hypothyroidism is the most frequent endocrine pathology occurring in the perinatal period that can cause mental retardation due to a deficit of thyroid hormones. According to the location it can be primary, secondary or central. The objective of this update is to describe the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of congenital hypothyroidism that will allow a normal neurodevelopment in the pediatric patient. Only 5 to 10% of newborns present clinical manifestations at birth, so the realization of an adequate clinical history, identification of risk factors such as familial hypothyroidism and neonatal screening is very important for its evaluation. In our country since 2011, this program has been implemented allowing a timely diagnosis and early initiation of treatment with levothyroxine to avoid irreversible damage caused by this pathology, achieving an excellent prognosis. Follow-up should be carried out subsequently until the patient reaches adulthood.