Global Pediatric Health (Nov 2024)

A National Survey on Congenital Hypothyroidism Newborn Screening in Pakistan

  • Sabeen Abid Khan FCPS, FRCPCH,
  • Sommayya Aftab FCPS, FRCPCH,
  • Yasir Naqi Khan MCPS,
  • Mehrunnisa Yasir FCPS,
  • Kashan Arshad FCPS,
  • Noor ul Ain Mehak FCPS,
  • Syed Kaleem ur Rehman MRCPCH,
  • Abida Faiztalpur FCPS, MRCPCH,
  • Shazia Bahar MRCPCH,
  • Ayesha Abdul Razzaq FCPS,
  • Sajjad Habibullah MD,
  • Aamir Naseem FCPS,
  • Syed Saddam Hussain FCPS,
  • Hina Sattar FCPS,
  • Mohammed Usman FCPS,
  • Aqeela Ayub FCPS,
  • Rehmana Waris FCPS,
  • Taeed Ahmed Butt DCH, MRCP

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2333794X241293526
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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Objective . Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a treatable condition with a good outcome if diagnosed promptly. However, neonatal screening programs are not routinely available in developing countries in Pakistan. Method . To highlight the practices of newborn screening in Pakistan, an online survey was conducted. Google forms were circulated to national pediatric societies and hospitals. Results . Out of 341 respondents most were consultant pediatrician (n = 212, 62.17%) followed by residents (n = 80, 23.41%). Majority, (n = 309, 90.6%) believed it was essential to screen all newborns for CH. However, in practice only (n = 141, 41.3%) were offering screening. The most common reasons cited for not screening was the cost of test (n = 110, 32.2%), non-availability of testing services (n = 29, 8.5%) and lack of any implemented screening policies in the hospitals or national guidelines (n = 20, 5.8%). Differences in practice were also observed at provincial levels ( P < .05). Conclusion . This survey highlights marked variation in CH newborn screening practices.