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Congenital hypothyroidism

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:

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.

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