CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM - NEUROPSYCHOLO GICAL FOLLOW-UP IN CHILDRENIDENTIFIED BY NEONATAL SCREENING

The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuropsychological development in Italian children with congenital hypothyroidism (C.H.) identified by neonatal screening. Biochemical, strumental and anamnes tic parameters were also related to neuropsychological performance to ascertain whether they are predictive of the neuropsichological outcom e. Eighty-eight hypothyroid children were included in the present stud y (24 boys and 64 girls; cross-sectional study). We studied neuropsych ological behaviors in 64 patients examined at regular intervals of fol low-up. The relationships between psychological outcome and T4, FT4, t hyroglobuline, age at diagnosis, starting dose of L-Thyroxine, femoral epiphyseal knee surface and social rank have been studied. Results of mental development scores, evaluated at different ages, showed that 9 7% of the children had IQ values within the normal range. Motor develo pment was delayed in 18% of the patients at 6 and 12 months, but reach ed a normal score around 18-24 months of age. We found a significant c orrelation between IQ and motor development quotient at three years of age. We did not find variables predictive of the psychological outcom e in C.H., even though the role of C.H. etiology and social class is u ncertain. In conclusion neuropsychological development in children wit h C.H. identified by neonatal screening was within normal limits.