After-newborn follow-up of newborn screening

Abstract

As frequently reported in The Journal, the past decades have witnessed an exponential growth in the number of disorders included in newborn screening panels. Although the protocols for identifying the referring these children are well-established, the mechanisms for following these children years later are not as clear. In this issue of The Journal, Korzeniewski et al use data from Michigan's screening program to examine the fate of children detected by hypothyroidism screening after 3 years of age. As expected, a number of these children were found to have transient hypothyroidism and were able to discontinue replacement therapy. The worrisome finding in the study, however, was the number of children who were lost to follow-up, including some who discontinued therapy without firm proof that their condition was transient. The authors of this very provocative study call for better long-term follow-up of children with congenital hypothyroidism, including more structured systems. The same could be said for a number of other disorders detected during the newborn period. Article page 177▶ Transient Hypothyroidism at 3-Year Follow-Up among Cases of Congenital Hypothyroidism Detected by Newborn ScreeningThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 162Issue 1PreviewTo investigate the rate of transient thyroid deficiency and treatment compliance among cases with congenital hypothyroidism diagnosed and followed-up after age 3 years by newborn screening (NBS). Full-Text PDF