Prevalence of Congenital Hypothyroidism and Related Factors in Gorgan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and aims: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is an important preventable cause of mental disability in infants. Early diagnosis through timely screening can prevent its adverse outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CH and associated factors in Gorgan. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 292 hypothyroid newborns born in Gorgan in 2021, based on a 5-year census. Data on first-screening and second-screening results, venous samples, and demographic characteristics were extracted from health records. Then, statistical analyses were performed by SPSS 16 using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and independent t-tests. Results: The prevalence of CH was 1:589 live births (1:558 in females and 1:621 in males). Girls accounted for 51.4% of cases, and 15% of newborns had a family history of hypothyroidism in first-degree relatives. Moreover, normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were observed in 15.8% and 18.3% at the first and second screenings, respectively, and 4.2% of venous samples. Consistency between screening and venous sample results was 44% and 53% for the first and second screenings, respectively. Ultimately, infant TSH levels were influenced by birth weight and statistically correlated with thyroxine levels. Conclusion: Overall, the prevalence of CH in Gorgan was lower than in other provinces but higher than global averages. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing screening programs, and further research is required to identify the causes and preventive factors.