Thyrotropic hormone in the blood of newborns (test for congenital hypothyroidism)
Congenital hypothyroidism may be due to aplasia or hypoplasia of the thyroid gland in newborns, a deficiency of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones, and a deficiency or excess of iodine during intrauterine development. The cause may be the effect of radionuclides of iodine, since from 10-12 weeks of intrauterine development the thyroid gland of the fetus begins to accumulate iodine. Clinical manifestations of congenital hypothyroidism include a large body weight of the newborn; puffiness of hands, feet, face, dense skin; hypothermia; weak sucking reflex; intensive weight gain.
Reference values (norm) of the concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood of newborns
|
Age |
The level of neonatal TSH, mU / l |
|
Newborn |
<20 |
|
1st day |
11.6-35.9 |
|
2 nd day |
8.3-19.8 |
|
Day 3 |
1.0-10.9 |
|
4-6th day |
1.2-5.8 |
If you suspect a congenital hypothyroidism, the thyroid-stimulating hormone is determined on the 4th-5th day after birth. An increase in the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone is considered an indication for treatment with thyroid hormones. Treatment begins no later than the 5th-17th day after birth. The adequacy of the dose of drugs is controlled by the concentration of cT 4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone.
If hypothyroidism is combined with chronic insufficiency of the adrenal cortex, correction of corticosteroids and careful selection of thyroid hormone doses are necessary to avoid an adrenal crisis.
Last reviewed: 31.05.2018