Frequency of congenital hypothyroidism in healthy newborns.

Objective: To determine the frequency of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in healthy newborns. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Neonatology, Children Hospital & Institute of Child Health Multan. Period: July 2020 to January 2021. Material & Methods: Neonates of both genders between 48 hours of life to 28 days of age delivered after 37-weeks of gestation were analyzed. All the neonates underwent blood sample testing for congenital hypothyroidism (T4 and TSH). The CH was described as neonates having T4 levels < 0.85 ng/dl and TSH > 40 mIU/L. Frequency of CH (yes/no) was noted. Results: Of these 146 study cases, 77 (52.7 %) were male participants while 69 (47.3 %) were female. Mean gestational age of our study cases was 38.12 ± 0.78 weeks. Of these 146 study cases, 40 (27.4 %) belonged to rural areas and 106 (72.6 %) belonged to urban areas. Poor socioeconomic status was noted in 46 (31.5%) while 100 (68.5%) were from middle income families. Of these 146 study cases, 109 (74.7%) were born vaginally while 37 (25.3%) were born through cesarean section. Family history of hypothyroidism was positive in 15 (10.3) cases. Mean body mass index of their mothers was 24.21 ± 2.33 kg/m2 and maternal obesity was present in 22 (15.1 %) in our study cases. Congenital hypothyroidism was noted in 12 (8.2%). Conclusion: High frequency (8.2%) of congenital hypothyroidism was noted in healthy newborn babies. Congenital hypothyroidism was significantly associated with mode of delivery and family history of hypothyroidism.