Severe Intellectual Deficit Research Articles

Screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism

The development of efficient micromethod assay systems for thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone makes possible detection of this condition in the neonate, when clinical signs seldom arouse suspicion. Starting treatment by age three months has been shown to prevent severe intellectual deficit; thus mass screening can be considered cost-effective as compared with outlays for special care, education, and institutionalization.