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Final height of Korean patients with early treated congenital hypothyroidism
Jiyun Lee1, Jeongho Lee1, Dong Hwan Lee1
1Department of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Early treatment for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in Korean children allows for normal final height. Newborn screening and prompt management are crucial for optimal growth outcomes in CH patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Genetics and Genomics
- Growth and Development
Background:
- Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a common endocrine disorder in children, potentially causing significant mental and growth retardation.
- Early detection through newborn screening is vital for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the final height (FH) in Korean patients with CH identified via newborn screening.
- To identify factors influencing FH in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 45 Korean CH patients.
- Comparison of final height z-scores (FHZ) with target height z-scores (THZ).
- Assessment of CH etiology, initial TSH and free T4 levels, and treatment initiation time's impact on FH.
Main Results:
- Mean FHZ was comparable to THZ in both male and female patients, indicating normal growth.
- No significant correlation was found between FH and CH etiology, initial hormone levels, or treatment timing.
Conclusions:
- Early intervention and management of CH do not negatively impact growth in Korean children.
- Emphasizes the necessity of newborn screening programs for early CH detection and proper management to ensure normal growth.
Purpose:
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common endocrine disorder in children. Thyroid hormone deprivation results not only in mental retardation but also growth retardation. This study investigates the final height (FH) in Korean patients with CH detected by newborn screening and examines factors that may affect the FH.
Methods:
The medical records of Korean CH patients (n=45) were reviewed. The FH was examined and target height (TH) was calculated based on mid-parental height. The FH z score (FHZ) and TH z score (THZ) were computed using the 2007 Korean National Growth Chart. The FHZ and THZ were compared with a Student t test. The impact of the etiology of CH (athyreosis, dyshormonogenesis, ectopic thyoid, hypoplastic thyroid), initial serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, initial free thyroxine (T4) level, and time of therapy initiation based on FH was assessed.
Results:
The mean FHZ was 0.10±1.01 for male patients and -0.11±1.09 for female patients. There were no significant differences between FHZ and THZ for both female (P=0.356) and male patients (P=0.237). No significant relationship was found between FH and the etiology of CH, initial TSH level, initial free T4 level, and the time of therapy initiation.
Conclusion:
Early intervention and satisfactory management do not appear to impede growth in Korean patients with CH. Thus, early detection and proper management of patients with CH detected by newborn screening program are necessary.
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