The role of ¹²³I imaging in the evaluation of infants with mild congenital hypothyroidism

Congenital Hypothyroidism: A 2020-2021 Consensus Guidelines Update-An ENDO-European Reference Network Initiative Endorsed by the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and the European Society for Endocrinology

Background: An ENDO-European Reference Network (ERN) initiative was launched that was endorsed by the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and the European Society for Endocrinology with 22 participants from the ENDO-ERN and the two societies. The aim was to update the practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of congenital hypothyroidism (CH). A systematic literature search was conducted to identify key articles on neonatal screening, diagnosis, and management of primary and central CH. The evidence-based guidelines were graded with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system, describing both the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. In the absence of sufficient evidence, conclusions were based on expert opinion. Summary: The recommendations include the various neonatal screening approaches for CH as well as the etiology (also genetics), diagnostics, treatment, and prognosis of both primary and central CH. When CH is diagnosed, the expert panel recommends the immediate start of correctly dosed levothyroxine treatment and frequent follow-up including laboratory testing to keep thyroid hormone levels in their target ranges, timely assessment of the need to continue treatment, attention for neurodevelopment and neurosensory functions, and, if necessary, consulting other health professionals, and education of the child and family about CH. Harmonization of diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up will optimize patient outcomes. Lastly, all individuals with CH are entitled to a well-planned transition of care from pediatrics to adult medicine. Conclusions: This consensus guidelines update should be used to further optimize detection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of children with all forms of CH in the light of the most recent evidence. It should be helpful in convincing health authorities of the benefits of neonatal screening for CH. Further epidemiological and experimental studies are needed to understand the increased incidence of this condition.

Feasibility of an Early Discontinuation of Thyroid Hormone Treatment in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants at Risk for Transient or Permanent Congenital Hypothyroidism

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This prospective study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of an early discontinuation of thyroid hormone treatment in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants with congenital hypothyroidism (CH).

METHODS

We enrolled VLBW infants between January 2011 and December 2012. The infants were divided into the hypothyroid and normal thyroid function groups according to the results of a thyroid function test. We performed an early off-therapy trial at 24 months of age.

RESULTS

Of the 182 VLBW infants enrolled, 15 were lost to follow-up and 167 were finally enrolled. In total, 24 infants (14.4%) were assigned to the hypothyroid function group and were treated with thyroid hormone. Younger gestational age and a lower birth weight were associated with hypothyroid function. In the hypothyroid function group, hypothyroidism (HT) and hyperthyrotropinemia (HTT) were observed in 13 and 11 infants, respectively. There were no differences in the clinical characteristics between the HT and HTT groups. Overall, 24 infants discontinued thyroxine medication at 24 months of age after normal results had been confirmed by radiologic work-ups, including thyroid ultrasonography and technetium-99m scans. All infants were successfully weaned off thyroxine and maintained euthyroid function.

CONCLUSION

Early discontinuation of thyroid hormone replacement therapy is possible in the majority of VLBW infants with CH.

Thyroid Imaging in Infants

Congenital hypothyroidism is the most common preventable cause of mental retardation. It is important to know the cause of each patient's thyroid dysfunction to foresee the course of therapy and outcomes. Imaging methods, such as ultrasound and thyroid scan, help determine the anatomy and function of the thyroid gland. Although thyroid scan is considered superior in detecting ectopic thyroid tissue, ultrasound is able to detect the presence of thyroid tissue not otherwise visualized in 15% of patients.