Open AccessScreening for congenital hypothyroidism in the Islamic Republic of Iran: strategies, obstacles and future perspectives
Author(s) -
Arash Ordookhani,
Parvin Mirmiran,
R Hajipour,
Mehdi Hedayati,
Fereidoun Azizi
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
eastern mediterranean health journal/eastern mediterranean health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.442
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1687-1634
pISSN - 1020-3397
DOI - 10.26719/2002.8.4-5.480
Subject(s) - levothyroxine , congenital hypothyroidism , islamic republic , medicine , pediatrics , cord blood , recall rate , cord , thyroid stimulating hormone , thyroid , obstetrics , surgery , islam , geography , archaeology , artificial intelligence , computer science
The operational feasibility of a congenital hypothyroidism [CH] screening programme was assessed. Cord blood spot specimens were collected at seven Teheran hospitals and within the Damavand District health network. Cord thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] levels > or = 20 mU/L were recalled and levothyroxine [L-T4] therapy was started immediately after diagnosis of CH. Of 20, 107 acceptable specimens, 22 neonates had CH [1: 914 births]. The recall rate was 1.3%. Screening coverage was 90% of live births. Of all cord samples, only 0.2% were unacceptable either because of delay in transportation or improper specimen collection. Median ages at the time of diagnosis and starting treatment were 12 and 8 days respectively. Screening for CH is feasible and a national screening programme is a necessity.