Author(s): Ilamaran V, Rathisharmila R, Sakthidasan S, Saraswathi N
A retrospective analysis of our screening program for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) was done. A total of 553 healthy term neonates were screened on day 4 of life with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Elevated TSH of > 20mIU/L was noted in 10 neonates (1.8%). Two neonates had elevated TSH on retesting but the levels of free T4 and free T3 were normal. No case of permanent CH was noted in this study. The practice of applying day 4 TSH measurement as compared to cord blood TSH measurement and the use of age appropriate cut-off for TSH help to reduce incidence of false positive TSH elevations. We reiterate the need for universal screening of CH in India.