Congenital hypothyroidism history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
History and Symptoms
- Some babies with congenital hypothyroidism do not appear any signs at birth.
- Some may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Weight gain
- Puffy face
- Swollen tongue
- Hoarse cry
- Low muscle tone
- Cold intolerance
- Persistent constipation
- Fatigue and weakness
- Little to no growth
- Excessive sleeping
- Reduced interest in nursing
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Exaggerated jaundice.
In the era before newborn screening, less than half of cases of severe hypothyroidism were recognized in the first month of life. As the months proceeded, these infants would grow poorly and be delayed in their development. By several years of age, they would display the recognizable facial and body features of cretinism. Persistence of severe, untreated hypothyroidism resulted in severe mental impairment, with an IQ below 80 in the majority. Most of these children eventually ended up in institutional care.