[Neonatal screening for congenital hypothyreoidism in Germany. The development of concerned children in retrospect analysis using the federal state "Hessen"].
BACKGROUND
Since widespread screenings for hypothyreosis were started in 1981 in Germany, the numbers of mental and physical handicaps due to hypothyroidism are reduced markedly. The aim of this study is to evaluate the actual efficiency of the newborn screenings in Germany using in the federal state "Hessen".


METHODS
All children born between 1988 and 1992 with suspicions laboratory results in the screening examination were contacted personally and statements concerning the screening itself and the physical and mental development were gathered from their parents, doctors and teachers.


RESULTS
99.1% of all hessian newborns born between 1988 and 1992 were included into the screening for hypothyreosis. The incidence of congenital hypothyreosis in general was 1:3 313. An etiological classification was possible in 77% of the patients which is divided as follows: 40% athyreosis, 24% hypoplasia of the thyroid, 8% dyshormonogenesis, 5% ektopia of the thyroid. In 67% of the cases hormone substitution was initiated during the first 14 days of life. In 23.9% it was started in the third week, in 6.8% in the fourth week and only in 2.3% of the patients treatment was started later on. The physical development of the children with congenital hypothyreosis can be regarded as widely normal. The school achievement was moderately retarded even when treatment was started in the early neonatal period.


CONCLUSIONS
The screening for hypothyreosis is well established in Hessen concerning tracking, organisation and analysis. There are short comings concerning the follow ups of children with suspicions findings, which shall be overcome by creating a new position. The long-term-follow-up according to the guidelines of the "Arbeitsgemeinschaft Pädiatrische Endokrinologie" is of central interest. Furthermore compliance is improved by regular personal counselling with the parents.
Höpfner
S
S
Abteilung für Diagnostische Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Giessen und Marburg, Standort Giessen. stefan.hoepfner@web.de
Koehler
N
N
Höpfner
B
B
Rauterberg
E W
EW
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003409:Congenital Hypothyroidism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015997:Neonatal Screening; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000002:abnormalities; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood
D013963:Thyroid Hormones; D013972:Thyrotropin