To be frank, I knew about hypothyroidism which is a deficiency of Thyroid hormones in adults but had not heard of Congenital Hypothyroidism. When I came across an article, I realized that Congenital Hypothyroidism is the most common preventable cause of intellectual disability globally. It is present in 1 in 4000 babies at birth. And, they can lead completely normal lives and grow intellectually if proper neo-natal screening for the same is done and the necessary medication taken. You will be surprised to know that despite the low cost of the test, this test is not mandatory in India.
If your child has congenital hypothyroidism, and it is not diagnosed within the first few months of life then your child will grow up to be mentally and physically deficient or what is medically called a cretin.
What is congenital hypothyroidism?
The thyroid gland located in our neck produces T3 and T4 which are two essential thyroid hormones. These hormones are very important in our growth and development. When the thyroid gland secretes less of these hormones, the condition is called hypothyroidism. In adults, this condition if left undiagnosed can affect various organs and their functioning. But in children born with congenital hypothyroidism, it can severely hamper their mental and physical growth. They will not grow normally and their mental faculties will be limited. They will suffer from mental retardation and medications at a later stage will not be able to rectify the deficiency in growth.
What is neonatal screening?
Many tests are done on the baby after birth. These are normally done on day 1 or 2 after birth by pricking the heel. Unfortunately, unlike the developed world where a test for congenital hypothyroidism is a must, in India it is still not mandatory. Not only parents but many doctors are often not aware of the importance of this test. Congenital hypothyroidism if detected and addressed adequately can help the children experience normal physical and neurological growth.
While thyroid function tests are common these days for adults, no such tests are still performed on children at birth.
How common is its incidence in India?
India has 1 in 2640 babies afflicted with congenital hypothyroidism.
What are the symptoms the babies exhibit?
It is difficult to gauge this at birth based on appearance. Even those children that do not have a developed thyroid at birth completely appear normal at birth. This may be because a certain amount of thyroid hormone is transferred by the mother to the baby. Just like in adults, girl babies are more likely to have this than boy babies. Gradually symptoms may develop over the months, but it may be late by then to correct the damage done.
Who gets Congenital Hypothyroidism?
Most cases of congenital hypothyroidism are not hereditary hence every child must be tested for this condition at birth. Those mothers already suffering from hypothyroidism can take additional precautions under the guidance of their doctor.
What is the treatment if a child is diagnosed with Congenital Hypothyroidism?
The child is started on thyroid hormone replacement on diagnosis. The correct dosage of the medication does no harm to the baby/child. The child is regularly tested so that the dosage is regularly screened. The medicine is very reasonably priced. Most children can lead completely normal lives but will have to be on medication for the rest of their lives just like it is the case with adults diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
If you are expecting or know someone who is, please do inform them about this test. They must discuss this with their doctor and ensure that it is performed on their child at birth. The only way to ensure that this test becomes mandatory at birth is by increasing awareness among doctors and parents. We hope that the government will take notice and make it mandatory for the country.
Rachna says 
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