Neonatal hypothyroidism
Alternate Names : Cretinism, Congenital hypothyroidism, Hypothyroidism - infants
Symptoms & Signs
Most affected infants have few or no symptoms, because they only have a mild decrease in thyroid hormone production. However, infants with severe hypothyroidism often have a distinctive appearance. Symptoms may include: - Puffy-appearing face
- Dull look
- Thick, protruding tongue
This appearance usually develops as the disease gets worse. The child may also have: - Dry, brittle hair
- Low hairline
- Jaundice
- Poor feeding
- Choking episodes
- Lack of muscle tone (floppy infant)
- Constipation
- Sleepiness
- Sluggishness
- Short stature
Diagnosis & Tests
A physical exam may reveal: - Abnormally large fontanelles (soft spots of the skull)
- Broad hands with short fingers
- Decreased muscle tone
- Growth failure
- Hoarse-sounding cry or voice
- Short arms and legs
- Widely separated skull bones
Blood tests will be done to check thyroid function. Other tests that may be done include:
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