Congenital Thyroid Gland Disorders are mostly a result of the abnormal narrowing of the gland. The frequency of the disease is around 1 in every 3,000 births.
Thyroid gland hormones are critical for the normal development of the brain in the child's early years, for normal growth and for the normal progression of the maturity process.
In Israel, as in most developed countries, there is a national program for scanning thyroid gland hormones in newborns. This is done by pricking the child's heel on the third day of life. The tests are conducted in the National Disease Control Center at Tel Hashomer and if the scan indicates a problem, the child is referred to one of the ERs near to where he or she lives to receive official diagnosis and begin treatment. It is vital to begin treatment as early as possible.
Treating congenital thyroid under-activity is simple and involves taking one pill a day. The child will have to undergo regular (monthly) tests during the first months, after which the frequency drops. With the right treatment, children with this disorder will grow and develop normally just like other children.
For consultation, diagnosis and monitoring, please contact the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic at Shaare Zedek.
Appointments: 02-6555999 or 02-6555307
There is a charge (or bring a guarantee from your Kupat Holim)