Evaluation of the neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism in the São José do Rio Preto-SP, Brazil

Abstract

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a systemic metabolic disorder characterized by thyroid hormone deficiency at birth and represents one of the most common causes of mental retardation. This research aimed to evaluate the Neonatal Screening Program in São Jose do Rio Preto-SP. Births data were collected from the city’s hospital records. Newborn screening test results from the APAE-SP (Portuguese acronym for Association of Parents and Friends of Mentally Retarded Children, São Paulo branch) files performed between 2005 and 2007 were also used. 17,494 newborn screening results were analyzed. 51.5% were from a female and 48.4% male. Samples were collected after the baby was 7 days old in 62.5% of the cases. The average time to receive the results was 28.2 days. In the studied sample, 14 results were altered, but only five diagnosis were confirmed (incidence rate of 1:3499). Similarly to many of the country’s areas the program in São José do Rio Preto shows major deficiencies as to blood collection time and results processing.