Abstract
Background: Thyroid disorders are commonest endocrine disorder in India, studies reveal a high prevalence. Normal thyroid function is critical for early neurocognitive development, which emphasizes strict neonatal screening. Aim: To estimate the prevalence, clinical profile and associated co-morbidities of thyroid dysfunction in neonates. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in south India. Neonates referred to Endocrinology department with diagnosed thyroid dysfunction were included. Demographic data, clinical features, thyroid profile and relevant investigations of the recruited children were noted. Results: A total of 180 neonates (105 female) with thyroid function abnormalities were included with prevalence of 8/1000 over 6 years study. Graves was noted in 6, majority of the hypothyroidism was due to Hashimoto's (111), subclinical (27), congenital central (11), ectopic thyroid and dys-hormonogenesis in 6 each, transient hypothyroidism in 4. A host of co-morbidities, developmental delay and maternal risk factors were identified. Conclusion: There is a high occurrence of autoimmune hypothyroidism in paediatric age group in south India and need for similar studies from different regions of the country covering larger population are in dire need as early diagnosis may abate subsequent residual sequelae.