Congenital hypothyroidism: Increased incidence in Najran Province, Saudi Arabia

Neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism using cord serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was initiated in Najran health region in September 1990. 4 total of 30810 newborn infants were screened by April 1995. Of the 24 infants with abnormal thyroid function tests on recall, 22 had permanent primary congenital hypothyroidism (incidence; 1:1400) and in two male siblings transient congenital hypothyroidism (incidence; 1:15400) was proved on follow-up. There was a significantly higher incidence of dyshormonogenesis. Eight (57 per cent) of the 14 infants who were adequately studied thyroid scan revealed eutopic glands with increased Tc-99m uptake, while thyroid ectopy and aplasia were present only in three (22 per cent) infants each. Furthermore, goiter was evident clinically in two other patients.