[National congenital hypothyroidism screening in Peru: a broken program]

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.