Congenital Hypothyroidism Associated with Maternal Hypothyroidism and Iodine Deficiency During Pregnancy

Abstract

Congenital hypothyroidism is a partial or complete loss of function of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) that affects infants from birth (congenital). The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped tissue in the lower neck. It makes iodine-containing hormones T3 and T4 that play an important role in regulating growth, brain development, and the rate of chemical reactions in the body (metabolism). People with congenital hypothyroidism have lower-than-normal levels of these important hormones. We present a case of a baby born with congenital hypothyroidism whose mother developed iodine deficiency during pregnancy due to use of non-iodized salt and lack of proper prenatal care.

Keywords

• Congenital hypothyroidism
• iodine deficiency
• maternal iodine deficiency