INCIDENCE OF HYPOTHYROIDISM AMONG NEW BORN BABIES DELIVERED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT TEACHING HOSPITAL, RIVERS STATE

Abstract

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism is one of the commonest causes of preventable
mental retardation. About 85% of cases of congenital hypothyroidism are sporadic. Most of
the affected neonates show no clinical features at birth. Screening programs have been
established in developed countries.
Aim : Due to a paucity of data in this environment, this study determined the incidence of
congenital hypothyroidism at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. (UPTH)
Methods: A descriptive cross sectional and prospective study was conducted on 436 neonates
between January and December, 2014 in UPTH. Serum from cord blood samples was
assayed for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and those with increased levels had follow up
assay for free thyroxine (free T4).
Results: A total of 436 neonates were screened. Twenty-seven of them had increased TSH
levels and six of those with increased TSH levels had low free T4 concentrations. The risk
factors identified by history taking did not show a statistically significant association.
Conclusion: The incidence of transient primary congenital hypothyroidism was 1.4%. This is
higher than that found in most parts of the world and similar to studies done previously in
Nigeria.

INCIDENCE OF HYPOTHYROIDISM AMONG NEW BORN BABIES DELIVERED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT TEACHING HOSPITAL, RIVERS STATE