CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM IN SWEDEN Incidence and Age at Diagnosis

Abstract

A total number of 112 children with congenital hypothyroidism were diagnosed in all Children''s Hospitals and Pediatric Wards in Sweden during the 7 yr period 1969-1975. Since it may be assumed that all cases of congenital hypothyroidism which were diagnosed during that period were seen in 1 of these hospitals, the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism in Sweden can be calculated to be 1:6900 live births. Despite an efficient National Health Care Program for Infants the diagnosis was delayed until after an age of 3 mo. in 52% of the cases. Thus mass screening of newborns for congenital hypothyroidism has to be introduced in Sweden. The beneficial effects of such a program cannot be fully elucidated until it is considered whether early instituted treatment would improve the outcome of children in whom a diagnosis was made after 3 mo. of age.