Hello doctor, My girl is 10 months old. Her growth and development are very slow. The test showed elevated TSH level 164.23. Diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism. I am also hypothyroid but I have been taking my medication Eltroxin 25 mcg properly from the two years. Then why this happened to my daughter? Her development and weight throughout the pregnancy period were normal. Are there any chances of mental retardation or brain damage because hypothyroidism is diagnosed at age of 10 months? At the time of birth, she was healthy. No newborn screening was done by the hospital. Her birth weight was 3 kg 400 gm now she weighs only 5 kg 800 gm. Will she have to take medication throughout life?
Hello. I just read your query about your daughter's congenital hypothyroidism. I am sorry and I can empathize with you but at the same time, I would like to say that timely diagnosis in an infant for congenital hypothyroidism is very essential and your daughter was diagnosed early on before any damage occurred in the sense for growth and brain development.  Congenital hypothyroidism occurs due to an inborn error of metabolism and can be manifested anytime after birth. Yes, there should have been an at birth screening. Your hypothyroidism has only a transient effect to the developing fetus if you are already on treatment. Her weight is increasing so that is a good sign. As long as she is on treatment and at the correct dose then the child can grow normally without any brain development issues. These are the things which happen when the child goes undiagnosed. So please be positive. Your prime responsibility now should be at watching her growth and development. Just monitor the following signs at all times. Decreased activity, large anterior fontanelle, poor feeding, and weight gain, small stature or poor growth, jaundice, decreased stooling or constipation, hypotonia, hoarse cry. T4 (total or free T4) and TSH should be repeated 4 to 6 weeks after initiation of therapy, then every 1 to 3 months during the first year of life and every 2 to 4 months during the second and third years.