Need for neonatal screening program in India: A national priority

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Endocrinology
• Nutrition

Background:

• Iodine deficiency (ID) is a significant public health concern in India, with 286 out of 342 surveyed districts identified as endemic.
• Studies indicate poor iodine nutritional status in school-age children (SAC), adolescent girls, pregnant mothers (PMs), and neonates across India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status of iodine deficiency in India.
• To recommend the implementation of a neonatal screening program for iodine deficiency to ensure optimal child development.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing research studies on iodine status in various population groups in India.
• Analysis of key indicators such as total goiter rate and median urinary iodine concentration in SAC and PMs.
• Assessment of thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in neonates.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of iodine deficiency indicated by total goiter rates >5% and median urinary iodine concentrations below WHO-recommended cutoffs (<100 μg/l for SAC, <150 μg/l for PMs).
• Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone levels observed in neonates, suggesting impaired thyroid function due to iodine deficiency.
• Iodine deficiency's impact on mental development often remains undetected.

Conclusions:

• Iodine deficiency poses a substantial risk to cognitive development in the Indian population.
• Implementing a nationwide neonatal screening program for iodine deficiency is crucial to mitigate its long-term effects.
• Early detection and intervention through neonatal screening can safeguard children's mental development.