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Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)



Congenital hypothyroidism
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Congenital hypothyroidism is a condition that affects infants from birth and results from a partial or complete loss of thyroid function (hypothyroidism). The thyroid gland makes hormones that play an important role in regulating growth, brain development, and metabolism in the body. Congenital hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to develop or function properly. If untreated, congenital hypothyroidism can lead to intellectual disability and abnormal growth. In the United States and many other countries, all newborns are tested for congenital hypothyroidism. If treatment begins in the first month after birth, infants usually develop normally. Most cases of congenital hypothyroidism occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family; however, this condition can also be inherited.[1]


References
  1. Congenital hypothyroidism. Genetics Home Reference. May 2006 Available at: http://www.ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/congenital-hypothyroidism. Accessed October 19, 2011.
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