Epidemiology of congenital hypothyroidism in Markazi Province, Iran
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Published on: November 20, 2015
Fatemeh Dorreh1, Parsa Y Chaijan, Javad Javaheri
1abriz University of Medical Sciences, National Public Health Management Center, Department of Community Medicine, Tabriz, Iran. E-ma-il: zenalali@gmail.com.
Insights
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) affects 1 in 307 newborns in Markazi Province, Iran, a higher prevalence than global averages. Further research is needed to identify risk factors for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a common endocrine disorder in newborns.
- Early detection and management of CH are crucial to prevent intellectual disability and developmental delays.
- Epidemiological data on CH prevalence in specific regions like Markazi Province, Iran, are essential for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in newborns in Markazi Province, Iran.
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of CH in the studied population.
- To provide baseline data for future research and public health strategies.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2006 to 2012, screening 127,112 newborns.
- Heel-prick blood samples were collected 3-5 days after birth.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); TSH >5 mIU/L prompted re-examination.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of CH was 1:307, with a female to male ratio of 1:0.95.
- The prevalence of permanent CH was 1:581, and transient CH was 1:628.
- A total of 414 CH cases were detected among 6102 recalled infants, indicating a 4.8% re-call rate.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of CH in Markazi Province is significantly higher than global estimates.
- Comprehensive studies to identify risk factors associated with CH in this region are urgently needed.
- These findings highlight the importance of continued newborn screening programs and further research for effective health system planning.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) among newborns in Markazi Province, Iran.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2006 to 2012. Blood samples were taken between 3 to 5 days after birth from the heel. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was tested using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and was employed as the screening test. Newborns with abnormal screening results (TSH >5 mIU/L) were re-examined. The data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results:
A total of 127 112 infants were screened. Of these, 51.2% were male and 48.8% were female. The coverage rate of the screening program was 100%. Of 6102 recalled subjects (re-call rate 4.8%), 414 cases with CH were detected, yielding a CH prevalence of 1:307 (female:male ratio 1:0.95). The prevalence of permanent and transient CH was 1:581 and 1:628, respectively.
Conclusion:
This study reveals that the prevalence of CH is higher compared to worldwide levels. Comprehensive and complementary studies for recognizing related risk factors should be a priority for health system research in this province.
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