TRANSIENT CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM AND HYPERTHYROTROPINEMIA - NORMALTHYROID-FUNCTION AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT AT THE AGES OF 6-14 YEARS

Since the introduction of screening programs for congenital hypothyroi dism, transient disturbances of thyroid function, especially transient congenital hypothyroidism and hyperthyrotropinemia, mostly due to iod ine deficiency or contamination have been observed with variable frequ encies. This study was carried out to reevaluate the thyroid function and physical development of 61 schoolchildren with transient congenita l hypothyroidism or transient congenital hyperthyrotropinemia. Abnorma lities were observed in 3 children. Thyroid function and growth were n ormal in all children, except 2 with moderately elevated TSH levels at the age of 7.7 and 10 yr in the presence of normal thyroid hormone le vels. In 1 child, the TSH elevation was due to an ectopic hemithyroide a; in the other child, an unknown familial cause was suggested. In 1 g irl (aged 12 yr), a euthyroid goiter caused by autoimmune thyroiditis was detected. We conclude from our investigation that frequent monitor ing of thyroid function in children with transient congenital hypothyr oidism or transient congenital hyperthyrotropinemia is not necessary d uring childhood if, postnatally, thyroid function recovered spontaneou sly. However, the growth and development of children with neonatal thy roid dysfunction should be followed, and if abnormalities occur, thyro id function tests are essential.