6.2.3.1
Congenital Hypothyroidism
Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines, 6th Edition, 2023. Chapter 6, Endocrine Disorders.
Clinical Description
Congenital hypothyroidism is one of the common treatable causes of preventable mental retardation in children. Congenital hypothyroidism must be treated as early as possible to avoid intellectual impairment.
Signs and Symptoms
- Prolonged jaundice, feeding difficulties, hypotonia, wide open fontanelles, oedema, constipation, enlarged tongue, dry skin, bradycardia, lethargy etc.
Investigations
- Thyroid function test
Treatment
- Give Levothyroxine 10-15 mcg/kg od orally for neonates and infants and 100 mcg/kg od
- Requires urgent referral for confirmation of diagnosis.
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