Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) Fact Sheet 

Primary Defect

Inadequate production of thyroid hormone due to one of many possible defects of the thyroid gland

Screening Test

Fluoroimmunoassay measurement of  thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

Etiology & Prevalence

90 % sporadic and 10% genetic (autosomal recessive)

About one in every 3,500 babies in Washington State is born with CH.

If Untreated

Mental retardation, poor growth and physical disability

Therapy

Thyroid hormone supplementation

With Treatment

Normal mental and physical development 

Washington State Department of Health
Newborn Screening Program
1610 NE 150th Street NE
Shoreline, Washington, 98155

Last Update : 11/20/2006 09:38 AM
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