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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
Neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism: a retrospective hospital based study from Bahrain
Jamal Golbahar1, Haya Al-Khayyat, Babiker Hassan
1Al-Jawhara Centre for Neonatal Screening and Genetic Diagnosis and Research, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, AGU, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. jamalgo@agu.edu.bh
Insights
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) screening in Bahrain revealed a high incidence of 1:2,967 births for permanent CH. This highlights the need for a national newborn screening program to detect this endocrine disorder early.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is standard in developed nations.
- Congenital hypothyroidism is a significant endocrine disorder affecting newborns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence of CH in Bahrain using cord blood thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
- To assess the effectiveness of current screening methods in a specific hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- Recalled neonates with cord blood TSH >25 mU/l for further testing.
- Diagnosed permanent CH based on elevated TSH (> or =15 mU/l) and low free T4 (<12 pmol/l) in venous blood, alongside abnormal thyroid scans.
Main Results:
- Identified 23 cases of transient TSH elevation (1:774 births).
- Diagnosed 6 cases of permanent CH (1:2,967 births), with equal male and female incidence.
- 714 newborns were recalled for further evaluation.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates a high incidence of CH in Bahrain.
- Recommends establishing a national screening program for CH in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
- Early detection and management of congenital hypothyroidism are crucial for infant health.
Background:
Neonatal screening programs for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) are now widespread in developed countries.
Aim:
Cord blood thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was evaluated for the incidence of CH in Bahrain Defense Force hospital.
Methods:
Those neonates with cord blood TSH values >25 mU/l were recalled. Permanent CH was reported when the levels of TSH and free T4 (fT4) venous blood samples were > or =15 mUl and <12 pmol/l, respectively, with abnormal thyroid scan.
Results:
Of 714 recalled newborns, 23 (10 males and 13 females) were diagnosed with transient TSH elevation with an estimated incidence of 1:774 births and 6 (3 males and 3 females) were diagnosed with permanent CH with an overall estimated incidence of 1:2,967 births.
Conclusions:
High incidence rates for CH reported in this hospital-based study suggest the need for a national screening program for this congenital endocrine disorder in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
01:23Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology