OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the neonatal screening program for congenital hypothyrodism (CH) of the Health Secretariat of the State of Santa Catarina and determine the prevalence of CH among screened children. METHODS: 390,759 newborns were screened for CH between 01/94 and 12/98 to evaluate: the program coverage, children's age at the time of the 1st blood sample for TSH measurement, time to transport blood samples to the core laboratory (LACEN), time to obtain TSH results, time to locate children with abnormal exams, maternal age at the time of the 1st clinical appointment and beginning of treatment, and dose of L-T4 prescribed. RESULTS: Program coverage was 81% and 123 children were diagnosed with CH and the estimated prevalence was 1:3,177. The mean age at the time of the 1st blood sample was 17.6 days. The mean intervals between blood sampling and the various outcomes were: 7.4 days to transport samples to LACEN, 2.4 days to obtain laboratory results, 7.6 days to locate positive-screened children and bring them to their 1st clinical appointment. All positive-screened children were evaluated at Joana de Gusmão Sick Children Hospital. The mean age at the time of the 1st clinical appointment and beginning of treatment was 40.2 days. The mean dose of L-T4 prescribed was 12.5µg/kg/day. CONCLUSION: Time between TSH dosage and prescription of L-T4 is appropriate. All other variables are outside the recommended time frame, resulting in delays to initiate therapy. The prevalence of CH among screened children is 1:3,177.
Congenital hypothyroidism; Neonatal screening; Pediatrics
