Congenital hypothyroidism is a dysfunction of the thyroid gland that affects the baby from birth. These disorders affect the production of the hormone thyroxine, which is needed for growth, brain development and body metabolism. Girls are more at risk of experiencing this disorder.
There are several causes of congenital hypothyroidism, including the thyroid gland that is not or less developed, pituitary gland disorders (pituitary), mothers taking certain drugs or iodine deficiency during pregnancy, or the formation of antibodies from the mother's body that blocks the thyroid function of the baby in the womb.
Recognize Symptoms that Arise
Infants with mild congenital hypothyroidism may not show obvious symptoms. Congenital hypothyroid which is heavier, will be seen from a typical facial appearance that is a face that looks swollen or swollen with a thick and large tongue.
If the condition gets worse, then the baby with congenital hypothyroidism can show other symptoms such as:
- Frequent choking
- Yellowing baby's skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Constipation and difficulty eating
- Stomach swell, sometimes the navel appears prominent
- Weak and weak muscles
- Dry and brittle hair
- Often sleepy
- Slow growth
- Cry in a hoarse or raspy voice
- Short arms and legs.
Congenital hypothyroid abnormalities if not detected and treated early will be the cause of growth and development disorders. In older children the symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism can be in the form of a short body or a midget, a hypothyroid face (swollen face, thick lips, pug nose), intellectual barriers, and difficulty in speaking late.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Congenital Hypothyroids
To detect this disorder as early as possible is to do a screening examination. Congenital hypothyroid screening is best done when the baby is 48-72 hours old or before the baby comes home. This is necessary so that treatment can be done immediately for babies with congenital hypothyroidism, so they do not experience growth and development disorders. Blood sampling for examination of congenital hypothyroid screening in infants is taken from the baby's heel. In developed countries, hypothyroid screening in infants is a mandatory screening program that is routinely performed at birth. Unfortunately in developing countries, including Indonesia, this examination is still not routinely carried out if there is no indication.
The doctor will usually check blood levels of T4 or thyroxine, a thyroid hormone, and Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a substance produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone. Low T4 levels and high TSH levels are a sign of congenital hypothyroidism.
The doctor may also do an ultrasound examination or called a thyroid scan, to see the size and location of the thyroid gland or find out whether the thyroid gland is really not there at all.
Management of congenital hypothyroidism can be done by replacing the hormone thyroxine with a liquid drug or tablet (thyroxine tablet). For babies, this medicine only needs to be given once a day, with tablets that are crushed and turned into a powder, then given with a mixture of breast milk or water.
The drug needs to be taken regularly every day, so that the level of thyroxine in the blood remains stable. After taking the drug, it is necessary to have a routine blood test to ensure thyroid hormone levels are within the normal range. Synthetic thyroxine drugs have some side effects namely diarrhea, lazy drinking, or looking uncomfortable. However, if given in appropriate doses, these side effects usually rarely occur.
It is important to immediately detect and provide treatment for congenital hypothyroidism. Early detection and treatment can support good growth and development in infants, but if this condition is left unchecked, it can cause intellectual disruption and severe growth problems. Consult a pediatrician immediately if your baby shows signs or symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism.
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