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Comparison of developmental outcomes in children with permanent and transient congenital hypothyroidism
Mehmet Akif Büyükavcı1, Ismail Dundar2
1Department of Developmental Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Türkiye.
Insights
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) can cause cognitive impairment, but early detection prevents delays. This study found no significant developmental differences between transient and permanent CH cases, highlighting the importance of monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Child Neurology
Background:
- Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a leading cause of preventable cognitive impairment in children.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of CH are crucial to prevent irreversible neurodevelopmental delays.
- CH can be transient or permanent, necessitating distinct management and follow-up strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare developmental outcomes in children with transient versus permanent congenital hypothyroidism.
- To identify potential differences in developmental trajectories based on CH type.
- To underscore the importance of developmental monitoring in CH patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 118 patients with CH was evaluated.
- Joint follow-up was conducted in pediatric endocrinology and developmental pediatrics clinics.
- The International Guide for Monitoring Child Development (GMCD) was used for developmental assessments.
Main Results:
- Overall, 85.6% of children showed age-appropriate development; 14.4% had delays in at least one area.
- Expressive language delay was observed in all 17 children with developmental delays.
- Developmental delay rates were 13.3% for transient CH and 20% for permanent CH, with no statistically significant difference.
Conclusions:
- Expressive language difficulties are common in CH patients with developmental delays.
- No significant developmental differences were found between transient and permanent CH.
- Developmental follow-up, early diagnosis, and interventions are vital for children with CH, with GMCD serving as a key monitoring tool.
Objectives:
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is still one of the most common causes of preventable cognitive impairment in children, and its early detection and treatment prevent irreversible neurodevelopmental delay. Depending on the underlying cause, cases with CH may be transient or permanent. This study aimed to compare the developmental evaluation results of transient and permanent CH patients and to reveal any differences.
Methods:
A total of 118 patients with CH, who were followed up jointly in pediatric endocrinology and developmental pediatrics clinics, were included. The patients' progress was evaluated per the International Guide for Monitoring Child Development (GMCD).
Results:
Of the cases, 52 (44.1%) were female, and 66 (55.9%) were male. While 20 (16.9%) cases were diagnosed with permanent CH, 98 (83.1%) were diagnosed with transient CH. According to the results of the developmental evaluation made with GMCD, the development of 101 (85.6%) children was compatible with their age, while 17 (14.4%) children had delays in at least one developmental area. All 17 patients had a delay in expressive language. Developmental delay was detected in 13 (13.3%) of those with transient CH and 4 (20%) with permanent CH.
Conclusions:
There is difficulty in expressive language in all cases of CH with developmental delay. No significant difference was found between the developmental evaluations of permanent and transient CH cases. The results revealed the importance of developmental follow-up, early diagnosis and interventions in those children. GMCD is thought to be an important guide to help monitoring the development of patients with CH.
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