[Care continuity for patients with congenital hypothyroidism during transition from childhood to adulthood].
Since the nation-wide neonatal screening programs for congenital hypothyroidism(CH) had been implemented in 1979, the diagnosis and treatment of CH are now provided in the first 2-3 weeks of birth in Japan. The goals of treatment are to raise the serum T4 as rapidly as possible into the normal range, and maintain normal growth and development while avoiding overtreatment. Because transient hypothyroidism may occur frequently, a reevaluation after 3 years is needed in such patients. Patients with CH had normal growth in general, suggesting that the neonatal screening system is being performed efficiently from detection to treatment of the disease in Japan. Pediatric and adult thyroidologists are engaging in processes to promote the continuity of care for patients with CH.
Harada
Shohei
S
Department of Health Policy, National Center for Child Health and Development.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003409:Congenital Hypothyroidism / Q000097:blood / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D017281:Cost of Illness; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007352:Insurance, Life; D015997:Neonatal Screening; D011788:Quality of Life; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
D013974:Thyroxine