Neonatal thyroid screening in a mild iodine deficiency endemic area in Iran.
BACKGROUND
Evaluated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as an early index for diagnosis of neonatal hypothyroidism, indicates insufficient supply of thyroid hormones.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to estimate the incidence of neonatal hypothyroidism and assessment of iodine deficiency in the eastern part of Iran.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted in a pilot screening.


METHODS
The measurement of blood TSH spotted on filter paper was performed by ELISA method in 59,436 neonates. TSH value equal to 5 mU/L was considered cut off point. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism in neonates with the blood TSH higher than the cut off point was based on clinical examinations and laboratory tests (serum TSH and T4).


METHODS
The groups were compared using chi-square and ANOVA tests.


RESULTS
In our study, the recall rate and incidence of hypothyroidism were 3.6% and 2 per 1000 neonates respectively. Based on the proposal made by WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD, the results of our study showed a mild iodine deficiency in the area.


CONCLUSIONS
A comprehensive policy should be developed for control of iodine deficiency and treatment of hypothyroidism in the studied population and neighboring countries.
Najafi
Mohammad
M
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Khorasan, Iran. nbsmmsbn@iums.ac.ir
Khodaee
Gholam Hossein
GH
Bahari
Mohammad
M
Sabahi
Masoumeh
M
Farsi
Mostafa Mazlom
MM
Kiani
Fatomeh
F
D003409:Congenital Hypothyroidism / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000453:epidemiology; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007455:Iodine / Q000172:deficiency; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D015997:Neonatal Screening; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood
D013972:Thyrotropin; D007455:Iodine