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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.
Objective:
To determine the age at diagnosis of hypothyroidism, to signify the effect of delayed diagnosis on the clinical presentation of hypothyroidism and hence to emphasize the need for early diagnosis by cost effective neonatal screening.
Methods:
The study was a descriptive case series carried out at the Department of Paediatrics, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad from 2004 to 2006. One hundred consecutive cases of hypothyroidism from birth to twelve years of life were included. The age at presentation and age related clinical features were determined.
Results:
The age at diagnosis ranged from birth to 16 years. Male to female ratio was 1:1. Congenital hypothyroidism was more common than acquired(92% VS 8%). Maximum number of cases (42%) were diagnosed between 1-5 years of age while only 14% were diagnosed before 3 months of age. Developmental delay (66%), constipation (51%) and lethargy (37%) were more common symptoms while common signs were pallor (65%), short stature (61%), coarse facies (53%), wide anterior fontanellae (46%) and coarse skin (42%).
Conclusion:
Early diagnosis by neonatal screening and commencement of treatment is recommended to prevent the effects of delayed diagnosis.
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