Is delayed diagnosis of hypothyroidism still a problem in Faisalabad, Pakistan

Bushra Abdul Malik1, Muhammad Asghar Butt

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad.

Insights

Delayed diagnosis of hypothyroidism in children leads to developmental delay and other symptoms. Early detection through cost-effective neonatal screening is crucial for preventing long-term health issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Neonatal Health

Background:

  • Hypothyroidism diagnosis often occurs late in childhood.
  • Delayed diagnosis can lead to significant developmental and physical impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Determine the age of hypothyroidism diagnosis in children.
  • Assess the impact of delayed diagnosis on clinical presentation.
  • Highlight the importance of early diagnosis via neonatal screening.

Main Methods:

  • Descriptive case series.
  • Included 100 pediatric patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism (birth to 12 years).
  • Analyzed age at presentation and age-related clinical features.

Main Results:

  • Diagnosis age ranged from birth to 16 years; 42% diagnosed between 1-5 years.
  • Congenital hypothyroidism accounted for 92% of cases.
  • Common symptoms included developmental delay (66%), constipation (51%), and lethargy (37%).

Conclusions:

  • Early diagnosis of hypothyroidism through neonatal screening is essential.
  • Timely treatment can prevent adverse outcomes associated with delayed diagnosis.
  • Neonatal screening is a cost-effective strategy for early detection.
Abstract

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