Congenital hypothyroidism in Northern Ireland: 40 years' experience of national screening programme
Authors' conclusion
Our findings demonstrate a nearly tripling of the CHT incidence observed over the last 40 years. This is against a background of a relatively stable population demographics. Future research should focus on the underlying cause(s) of this condition which may include changing environmental exposures in utero.
Study context
- Population
- Children diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) in Northern Ireland, 1981–2020, among new-borns screened for CHT471 diagnosed with CHT
- Participants
- 800,404 children
- Exposure
- CHT incidence in 1981 vs 2019
- Outcome
- Incidence of CHT
- Follow-up
- 1981 to 2020
Methodological detailsnational screening programme, 40-year period, Data from medical (paper and electronic) records, including outcomes at 3 years
- National screening programme
- 40-year period
- Data from medical (paper and electronic) records, including outcomes at 3 years
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Incidence of CHT in 1981
- 26 cases per 100,000 livebirths
- Incidence of CHT in 2019
- 71 cases per 100,000
- Steady and significant increase in incidence over time
- p < .001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Preterm births among CHT cases
- Born preterm
- 77 (16%)
Sex distribution
- Incidence of CHT twice as much in female vs male new-borns
Diagnostic imaging (radioisotope uptake and thyroid US)
- Imaging performed
- 143 cases (30%)
- Thyroid dysgenesis among imaged
- 101 (70%)
- Thyroid dyshormonogenesis among imaged
- 42 (30%)
Permanence of CHT
- Confirmed permanent CHT
- 293 (62%) of 471
- Transient CHT
- 90 (19%)
Population demographics
- Population recorded with UK/Ireland as country of birth
- at least 95%
Original publication
Congenital hypothyroidism in Northern Ireland: 40 years' experience of national screening programme. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). Published 6 June 2023. doi:10.
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