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[National congenital hypothyroidism screening in Peru: a broken program]
Lina Huerta-Sáenz1, Carlos Del Águila2, Oscar Espinoza2
1Childrens Mercy Hospital, Missouri, Kansas, EE. UU.
Insights
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) screening in Peru is inefficient, leading to late diagnosis. Improving newborn screening for CH is crucial to prevent mental retardation in Peruvian infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a leading cause of preventable mental retardation.
- CH prevalence varies globally due to factors like race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic development.
- Previous CH prevalence in Peru was reported at 1:1250 in 1984 and 1:1638 in 2007.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficiency of current neonatal screening programs for congenital hypothyroidism in Peru.
- To highlight the critical need for timely diagnosis and treatment of CH in Peruvian newborns.
- To emphasize the government's responsibility in achieving universal newborn screening for CH.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study analyzing data from the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño in Lima, Peru.
- Review of reported CH prevalence and incidence data from Peruvian institutions.
- Analysis of the average age of CH diagnosis in a recent cohort.
Main Results:
- The average age of CH diagnosis in Peru was found to be 5.9 months +/- 5.28.
- This late diagnosis indicates significant inefficiencies in existing neonatal CH screening programs.
- Reported CH prevalence in Peru shows variation over time.
Conclusions:
- Current neonatal screening programs for congenital hypothyroidism in Peru are not effective.
- Delayed diagnosis of CH has serious implications for cognitive development.
- Urgent government action is required to ensure timely CH screening and treatment for all Peruvian infants.
Abstract:
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most important cause of preventable mental retardation. The prevalence of CH varies by geographic region, race and ethnicity. In the countries of the Northern hemisphere, the prevalence has been reported as 1:4,000 live newborns. The prevalence is remarkably different among the countries of Latin America not only because of their different races and ethnicities but also because of the heterogeneous social-economic development. The prevalence of CH in 1984 in Peru was reported as 1:1250. In 2007, the reported incidence by the Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal was 1:1638. A recent retrospective study performed by the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño in Lima, Peru described the average age of diagnosis of CH as 5,9 months +/- 5,28. This late age of CH diagnosis certainly suggests the poor efficiency of the current neonatal CH screening programs in Peru. Every Peruvian infant deserves a timely newborn screening and treatment for CH. The Peruvian government is responsible for ensuring this mandatory goal is achieved promptly.
