Hospitals in most states routinely screen newborn infants for metabolic problems, including thyroid disorders. Although such health disorders might not be readily apparent at birth, they can hinder a child's development and can even be fatal. As long as a child is properly diagnosed and treated for such disorders, there is a good chance he will be able to develop normally.
Congenital Hypothyroidism
Congenital hypothyroidism, sometimes called CH, is present from birth in affected children. It accounts for about 90 percent of all hypothyroidism in infants, according to Thyroid-Info.com. A thyroid problem develops when a functioning thyroid fails to develop in a fetus or, more rarely, when a baby's thyroid does not produce or release thyroid hormone properly.
Transient Hypothyroidism
Transient, or temporary, hypothyroidism occurs in the remaining 10 percent of babies born with hypothyroidism. Often caused when a mother has been treated for hyperthyroidism during pregnancy or has been exposed to substances containing iodine, an infant's transient hypothyroidism generally runs its course in a few days to a few months and requires no further treatment.
Symptoms
One sign of congenital hypothyroidism in an infant is increased birth weight and large size, even though the baby feeds poorly, according to the Magic Foundation, a support organization for parents whose children are afflicted by disorders affecting growth. Other symptoms include a hoarse cry; puffy face and swollen tongue; poor muscle tone; cold extremities; prolonged jaundice; poor feeding; constipation and bloating; tiredness and lack of energy; and little to no growth.
Screening
Doctors use a test called tandem mass spectrometry, or MS, to screen for over 20 different metabolic disorders. This simple blood test is performed using only one drop of blood. The most commonly diagnosed congenital metabolic disorder is hypothyroidism, which has an incidence of one in every 4,000 births, according to the Kids Health website. As long as the missing thyroid hormone is replaced in pill form, most children with the disorder have an excellent prognosis.
Further Tests
If the screening test shows that your baby has low levels of T4, a thyroid hormone, or elevated TSH, or thyroid stimulating hormone, which indicate hypothyroidism, your doctor will perform further tests. Most likely the screening test will be repeated to confirm the results. The doctor may also order an X-ray of the legs, since immature leg bones can confirm congenital hypothyroidism. The doctor may also want your baby to undergo a thyroid scan to determine the location or absence of a thyroid gland.
