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Congenital hypothyroidism

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Definition:

Congenital hypothyroidism is decreased thyroid hormone production in a newborn. In very rare cases, no thyroid hormone is produced.

Alternative Names:

Cretinism

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Hypothyroidism in the newborn may be caused by:

• A missing or abnormally developed thyroid gland
• Pituitary gland's failure to stimulate the thyroid
• Defective or abnormal formation of thyroid hormones

Incomplete development of the thyroid is the most common defect and occurs in about 1 out of every 3,000 births. Girls are affected twice as often than boys.

References:

Harris KB, Pass KA. Increase in congenital hypothyroidism in New York State and in the United States. Mol Genet Metab . 2007; 91(3):268-277.

• Review Date: 7/17/2007
• Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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