Structures, processes and achievements of the national program of congenital hypothyroidism screening in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Abstract

Background and Aim: Screening of neonates for early detection and timely treatment of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the most important public health programs in the world. The purpose of this study was to review the structures, processes and achievements of the CH Screening program in Iran. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from the surveillance program of the non-communicable diseases office, review of records, documents, books, published articles and also interviews with process owners and experts of CH screening program in Iran in 2019. Results: TSH measurements on the 3rd to 5th days after birth, supplementary and confirmatory tests for children with TSH ≥ 5 mu/L, timely treatment of hypothyroid children using levothyroxine tablets and assessment of the program by follow-up and continuous monitoring were the most important parts of the national neonatal screening program for congenital hypothyroidism in Iran. Conclusion: The present study provides an overview of the principles and implementation of the CH screening program in Iran, and can be used as an educational and research source for policymakers, researchers, and health providers who work in the field of neonatal metabolic disorders.

Keywords

• congenital hypothyroidism
• neonates screening
• iran