A follow-up study on high-risk factors of congenital hypothyroidism processing

Objective To investigate the risk factors of neonatal congenital hypothyroidism (CH) progressing to permanent congenital hypothyroidism.

Methods Totally 114 infants with CH who were screened and confirmed by the neonatal disease screening center of the health center of women and children, Anhui Province from October 2016 to September 2021 were selected, and 93 were finally recruited as study subjects. Mothers' gestational situations, neonatal birth conditions, information upon CH diagnosis and following treatment were investigated through regular follow up visit. After 3 years of standardized treatment, drug withdrew test, thyroid B-ultrasound, and nuclear scan were performed to identify permanent congenital hypothyroidism (PCH) or temporary congenital hypothyroidism (TCH). Logistic regression analysis was used to explore risk factors of CH progressing to PCH.

Results CH progressed to PCH in 33 patients (35.5%) and TCH in 60 patients (64.5%). Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) ≥90 uIU/mL and small or absent thyroid detected by B-ultrasound were risk factors of PCH. However, gender, region, and maternal situation during pregnancy were not risk factors of PCH.

Conclusion High TSH blood value and small or absent thyroid detected by B-ultrasound are risk factors of CH progressing to PCH. Clinicians should pay close attention to these factors during daily treatment and drug withdrawal experiment.