Although thyroid disorders are more common in women, especially during and after menopause, they are not sex-specific and do not affect people of any age group, including infants.
In congenital hypothyroidism (CHT), the thyroid gland is underdeveloped or absent, or due to a malfunctioning “production line” that does not produce thyroid hormones enough to meet the body’s needs.
What causes thyroid problems in newborns
Thyroid development in the fetus begins early in pregnancy. In some newborns, the gland may not develop properly or migrate to its typical location, known as hypoplastic and ectopic thyroids, respectively. “In Dyshormonogenesis, the thyroid develops and moves into place, but the thyroid hormone ‘production line’ is disrupted and there is a problem with thyroid hormone production; it can occur when a defective gene is inherited from either parent,” Bannerghatta Lufu Dr. Yogesh Kumar Gupta, director of the pediatric intensive care unit at Tong Hospital, said. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Babies
Parents must be aware of thyroid-related symptoms in their newborns, which must be treated early to avoid problems such as low IQ and other developmental difficulties. Some newborns with low thyroid hormone levels early in life may experience mild long-term changes.
Babies with hypothyroidism are more sleepy than normal babies and may experience prolonged jaundice after birth, Dr. Gupta said. Children with congenital hypothyroidism may appear normal and asymptomatic at birth, so prenatal screening is important.
Here are some warning signs that your baby may have thyroid problems:
* Some babies with hypothyroidism are sleepy and difficult to feed, despite the fact that many babies exhibit identical symptoms without being hypothyroid.
* Some hypothyroid neonates exhibit prolonged jaundice after birth
* Babies with thyroid issues may suffer from constipation and excess weight gain.
* They may have low muscle tone, cold extremities, and poor neurological development.
When appropriate therapy is initiated as the earliest, children with CHT develop normally and in a manner that is similar to, if not identical to, their unaffected siblings.
Complete News Source : Hindustan Times
