The Texas newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism detects 90 to 150 cases each year; no affected babies have been missed. Babies dismissed from the hospital less than 24 hours after birth have a greater chance of an abnormal screening test, but most of the reported values reflect physiologic responses to birth and do not represent true hypothyroidism. A few represent thyroid disease. The astute physician recognizes a truly significant value; the unwary ignores a significant report and places the patient and himself at risk.
Division of Pediatrics, Scott & White Clinic, Scott, Sherwood and Brindley Foundation, Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, USA.
