Congenital hypothyroidism in Bogotá, Colombia: a current description (2015-2021)

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a primary cause of preventable neurological deficits in newborns.
• Early detection and treatment are crucial for optimal neurodevelopmental outcomes.
• Mandatory reporting systems are vital for monitoring newborn health conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of CH in Bogotá, Colombia.
• To analyze the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment initiation for CH cases.
• To inform public health strategies for improving CH screening and management.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional study of live births diagnosed with CH (ICD-10 codes E030, E031) in Bogotá from 2015-2021.
• Analysis of case data including prevalence, clinical classifications, gestational age, and maternal health factors.
• Evaluation of treatment initiation timelines relative to birth and notification dates.

Main Results:

• A prevalence of 3.29 cases per 10,000 live births was observed.
• Most cases were isolated CH (92.54%), with significant proportions being small for gestational age (16.92%) and preterm (26.87%).
• A substantial percentage (66.67%) did not receive treatment post-diagnosis, with prolonged average delays in treatment initiation.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of CH in Bogotá is comparable to national rates but lower than in high-income countries, indicating potential for screening program enhancement.
• Significant delays in diagnosis and treatment underscore the urgent need for optimized care pathways.
• Improvements in Colombia's newborn screening program are essential for timely CH management and improved infant health outcomes.