Role of the egyptian neonatal screening program in the diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism
Ahmed M. Youssef, Amira M.M. Hamed, Ahmed H. IsmailBackground and aim
Early identification and treatment of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) through neonatal screening programs are essential to prevent adverse outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the performance and coverage of the Egyptian Neonatal Screening Program for CH in Armant city and its surrounding regions.
Patients and methods
A total of 3557 newborns underwent screening for CH for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Infants with TSH levels more than or equal to 15 µIU/ml underwent a second screening, followed by confirmatory testing including TSH, T4, and free T4.
Results
Out of 3557 screened newborns, 64 infants tested positive for elevated TSH levels, yielding a positive predictive value of 54.69%. After confirmatory testing, 35 infants were diagnosed with CH, of which 82.9% had permanent CH and 17.1% had transient CH. The mean initial TSH level was 81.57±40.78 μIU/l. Maternal factors significantly associated with CH included advanced maternal age [odds ratio (OR)=1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95–1.16,
Conclusion
The Egyptian Neonatal Screening Program in Armant city achieved a coverage rate of 63.3%, with a substantial proportion of CH cases being permanent. Elevated maternal age, parental consanguinity, and a history of maternal thyroid disorders were significant risk factors for CH. These findings highlight the importance of expanding screening coverage and addressing maternal health factors to improve neonatal outcomes in regions with high CH prevalence.