May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Children's Health Congenital Hypothyroidism and its prognosis
Congenital Hypothyroidism and its prognosis |
|
Dear Ask The Doctor: My five day old son has just been diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism. How serious is this? He has began treatment (levothyroxine) but I am worried sick. What are his chances of having a normal life? ( besides having to take a pill everyday). Please help me out with some answers! Dear Chris: Congenital hypothyroidism is a condition in which the baby is either born with a poorly developed or under developed thyroid gland.This leads to reduced amount of T3 and T4 in the body . This is treated by levothyroxine as prescribed to your son and he will need to take this on a continual basis. After a few weeks of treatment the levels are checked again to see whether there is any improvement in the same. The positive news is that once treated the child does grow up normally both developmentally as well as physically and the prognosis is good. Thus I advice you not to worry as he has been diagnosed and treated well in time. All the best and I hope this helps. |
|
| Last Updated ( Saturday, 16 July 2011 ) |
|
|
|
|
