How does hypothyroidism cause neonatal jaundice?
Congenital hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism causes decreased rate of bilirubin conjugation, slows gut motility and impairs feeding, all contributing to jaundice.
How does hypothyroidism cause umbilical hernia?
If the fetal thyroid hormone deficiency is severe because of complete absence (athyreosis) of the gland, physical features may include a larger anterior fontanel, persistence of a posterior fontanel, an umbilical hernia, and a large tongue (macroglossia).
What are complications of congenital hypothyroidism?
Affected babies may show no features of the condition, although some babies with congenital hypothyroidism are less active and sleep more than normal. They may have difficulty feeding and experience constipation. If untreated, congenital hypothyroidism can lead to intellectual disability and slow growth.
Why does hypothyroidism cause mental retardation?
Left untreated in newborns, hypothyroidism can lead to mental retardation. Untreated hypothyroidism may also lead to anemia, low body temperature and heart failure. The goal of treatment is to restore the thyroid gland to normal function, producing normal levels of thyroid hormones.
Can babies grow out of hypothyroidism?
Congenital hypothyroidism occurs when a newborn infant is born without the ability to make normal amounts of thyroid hormone. The condition occurs in about 1 in 3,000-4,000 children, is most often permanent and treatment is lifelong.
Can a child outgrow hypothyroidism?
Treatment may include taking thyroid hormones to increase the level of hormones in the body. Some children will need to take hormones for life. Other children may outgrow the disorder. Hypothyroidism can impair a child’s normal growth and development.
Can congenital hypothyroidism go away?
Some infants are born with temporary hypothyroidism. This can be caused by things such as premature birth, thyroid disease in the mother, or medicines the mother had during pregnancy. This form of hypothyroidism usually goes away by itself in the first weeks or months of life.
Can hypothyroid go away?
Occasionally, the condition may resolve without treatment. Follow-up appointments are important to monitor hypothyroidism over time, however. If hypothyroidism doesn’t go away on its own within several months, then treatment is necessary. If left untreated, this condition eventually may lead to serious health problems.
