Prevalence of developmental delay among confirmed newborn screening test positive hypothyroid infants in Region VI (2006-2009).

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Untreated Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) could lead to significant neurologic deficits, growth retardation and developmental delay.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of developmental delay among patients in Region VI confirmed by the Newborn Screening Center Visayas (NBSC-V) to have CH.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Iloilo City, Guimars, Capiz, Aklan, Bacolod City, Silay City, and Negros Occidental. Eighteen patients with CH confirmed by NBSVC-V from 2006-2009 were assessed. Thirty-six children with negative TSH screening test served as negative controls. Denver Developmental Screening Test was used to assess the personal-social, fine motor function, language and gross motor development. Neurodevelopmental assessment as either "normal" or "suspect" was the main outcome measure.

RESULTS: Among the 116,567 patients screened by the Newborn Screening Center-Visayas from 2006-2009, there were 30 patients from Region VI with confirmed positive test for hypothyroidism. Of the 30 patients, 18 were assessed. Only 12 received appropriate treatment. Eleven were "normal" while 7 were "suspect" for developmental delay. Developmental delay among patients who received appropriate treatment (p=0.047). All patients who tested negative for CH were "normal". Among patients who received appropriate treatment, the percentage with "normal" development was comparable with the negative control(p=0.059). Developmental delay was significantly greater with CH without appropriate treatment compared to those in the negative control (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of developmental delay among patients in Region VI confirmed by NBSC-V to have congenital hypothyroidism is 39%.

KEYWORDS: developmental delay, congenital hypothyroidism, newborn screening, denver developmental screening test