Background:Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is most common preventable cause of mental retardation in children. Cord blood Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (CBTSH) level is an accepted screening tool for CH.Objectives:To study CBTSH profile in neonates born at tertiary care referral center and to analyze the influence of maternal and neonatal factors on their levels.Design:Cross retrospective sectional study.Methods:Study population included 979 neonates (males = 506 to females = 473). The CBTSH levels were estimated using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay on Cobas analyzer. Kit based cut-offs of TSH level were used for analysis. All neonates with abnormal CBSTH levels, were started on levothyroxine supplementation 10 μg/Kg/day and TSH levels were reassessed as per departmental protocol.Results:The mean CBTSH was 7.82 μIU/mL (Range 0.112 to 81.4, SD = 5.48). The mean CBTSH level was significantly higher in first order neonates, neonates delivered by assisted vaginal delivery and normal delivery, delivered at term or preterm, neonates with APGAR score <5 and those needing advanced resuscitation after birth. The CBTSH level >16.10 and <1.0 μIU/mL was found in 4.39 % and 1.02 % neonates respectively. The prevalence rate of CBTSH level >16.1 μIU/mL was significantly higher in neonates delivered by assisted vaginal delivery and normal delivery, term and preterm neonates, APAGR score of <5, presence of fetal distress, need for resuscitation beyond initial steps and in those with birth weight of <1.5 Kg. Three neonates were confirmed to have CH after retesting of TSH level.Conclusions:The CBTSH estimation is an easy, non-invasive method for screening for CH. The cutoff level of CB TSH (μIU/mL) >16.10 and <1.0 led to a recall of 5.41% of neonates which is practicable given the scenario in our Country. The mode of delivery and perinatal stress factors have a significant impact on CBTSH levels and any rise to be seen in the light of these factors. The prevalence rate of CH after recall was ~3 in 1000 live births.

Background: There is limited data regarding the prevalence of thyroid disorders in children and adolescents from India. Methods: All subjects aged 1-19 years, who underwent estimation of thyroid function tests (TFTs) at the EMS Memorial Cooperative Hospital and Research Centre, Perinthalmanna (2009-2013) were included in the study. Results: A total of 784 subjects (males-336, females-448), aged between 1-19 (Mean 11.12, SD-6.23) years, who underwent estimation of TFTs were studied. The prevalence rate of all thyroid function abnormalities was 9.18%. The thyroid function disorders were more common (10.89%) in adolescents (14-19 years) than children (1-13 years) (7.82%) and in females (12.05%) than males (5.36%) in both age groups. The prevalence rates of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), overt hypothyroidism (OH) and hyperthyroidism were 4.08%, 3.05% and 2.04% respectively. Conclusions: The thyroid function abnormalities are common in children and adolescents affecting about ~ 9% in study population. The SCH was the commonest thyroid function disorder, followed by OH and hyperthyroidism with female: male ratios of 2.5:1, 2.43:1 and 7:1 respectively. Majority of cases OH were of primary hypothyroidism. The SCH and hyperthyroidism were more prevalent in the adolescents than children; however, OH was more common in children than adolescents.