Drummond-Borg Margaret, Aldis Barbara, Johnson Daisy, Wilson Don P
Texas Department of Health, Austin, Texas, USA.
Tex Med. 2003 Sep;99(9):50-2.
Routine screening of asymptomatic newborns allows detection and treatment of infants affected by congenital hypothyroidism. Implemented by legislation enacted in 1980, the Texas Newborn Screening Program detects 120-150 cases of primary hypothyroidism a year. The responsibility and, ultimately, the success of hypothyroid screening in the newborn period largely depends upon the medical provider, necessitating a clear understanding of the screening process, appropriate diagnostic tests for confirmation, and timely treatment.
