Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 19, 2026

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
04:39

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Published on: March 17, 2023

Intellectual outcome at 12 years of age in congenital hypothyroidism

M Salerno1, R Militerni, S Di Maio

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy.

European Journal of Endocrinology
|July 31, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Intellectual outcome in children with congenital hypothyroidism is generally good, but some may experience subnormal IQ. Factors like severe hypothyroidism, poor treatment adherence, and parental attitudes can impact cognitive development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) detected via neonatal screening typically has good intellectual outcomes.
  • However, subtle neurological deficits and subnormal IQ have been reported in some children with CH.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess intellectual outcomes in 12-year-old patients with CH identified through neonatal screening.
  • To identify factors influencing intellectual development in these children.

Main Methods:

  • Intelligence quotient (IQ) was evaluated in 40 children with CH at age 12 using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Revised.
  • IQ scores were compared to those of 40 healthy siblings serving as a control group.

Main Results:

  • The mean IQ of patients with CH did not significantly differ from the control group.
  • Thirteen patients exhibited subnormal IQ scores, significantly lower than their siblings and other CH patients.
  • Low IQ was correlated with lower thyroxine levels at diagnosis, poor treatment compliance, and lower familial IQ.

Conclusions:

  • While average IQ in CH patients is within the normal range, some individuals may have low IQ.
  • Severe hypothyroidism, inadequate treatment compliance, and suboptimal parental attitudes are associated with lower IQ in CH patients.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:27

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones01:18

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Environmental Influences on Intelligence01:29

Environmental Influences on Intelligence

Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children from...
Biological Influences on Intelligence01:30

Biological Influences on Intelligence

Intelligence is often thought to be linked to brain size, but the relationship is more complex than that. While brain size does correlate modestly with some abilities, like verbal skills, the connection is weaker for others, such as spatial reasoning. Other factors, like brain structure, also play crucial roles. For instance, despite Einstein's smaller-than-average brain, his parietal cortex, which is involved in spatial reasoning, was 15% wider, suggesting that neural density might matter more...
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction01:25

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...