This disease requires lifelong treatment. The screening test is done five days after birth.
Hypothyroidism is caused by reduced activity of the thyroid gland. The thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) have as a fundamental function to regulate the metabolic reactions that the organism can have.
In babies the hypothyroidism It can have serious repercussions if treatment is not carried out. One of the greatest consequences occurs in mental and physical development.
A test helps treat the disease
At birth it is important that a neonatal screening or also known as heel test, which consists of taking a few drops of blood from the infant’s foot to perform the tests.
This test must be performed between the third and fifth day of birth. “It is essential that babies be tested, since it is very common for them to suffer from hypothyroidism and if it is not treated in time it can have serious problems in their mental development,” explains endocrinologist Mario Acosta.
The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism in babies are: jaundice, excessive sleepiness, constipation, swelling around the eyes, slow growth, cold and pale skin.
Causes of hypothyroidism
It usually occurs because the thyroid gland did not form during pregnancy. Treatment for babies is the same as for adults. The medication thyroxine is administered for life, to regulate the production of the thyroid gland so that the baby can develop normally.
Contrary to popular belief, moms with hypothyroidism who are undergoing treatment cannot infect their child, according to Acosta. “This is false, the baby’s thyroid gland develops independently, a mother with the correct treatment will not cause any harm.”
Exams in the health system
The Ministry of Public Health created, in 2011, the project “With Right Foot”, with the aim of preventing different types of illnesses and intellectual disabilities in newborns.
Currently the service is free in public hospitals. If the result is positive, the child receives comprehensive treatment free of charge and continuously.
“My baby suffers from hypothyroidism, it was detected by the heel test. He has been using his medications for more than a year and he has not had any problems, he is a normal child ”, says Paola Hinojosa, a mother of the family.
This is a work with journalism students from USFQ.
Andres Mediavilla
