Transient congenital hypothyroidism in Tunisia : A descriptive retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common preventable cause of intellectual disability. About 71% of babies worldwide are born in areas without established newborn screening programs. The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors of transient CH compared to permanent CH and its etiologies. Methods: Retrospective study in the pediatric and neonatology department of Mongi Slim Hospital conducted between January 1999 and December 2018. Results: 53 patients diagnosed with CH; 43 (81%) permanent and 10 (19%) transient. Prematurity was higher in the transient group (p=0.05); consanguinity more frequent in permanent CH (p=0.034). Transient CH was associated with lower initial TSH levels (p=0.04) and lower L-thyroxine doses. Conclusion: Prematurity, low initial TSH levels, low L-thyroxine dose and short time to normalize thyroid function are predictive of transient CH.