[Congenital hypothyroidism. Current viewpoints and developments].

Since 1978 neonatal screening on congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) is performed in The Netherlands. A combined T4 and TSH determination is used. This creates the possibility to detect secondary and tertiary hypothyroidism. The number of false-positive cases is relatively high. This number decreases by adjusting the method of screening. Recent studies show a CHT incidence of 1:2100 newborns. In about 25% of these cases the CHT appears to be transient. Proceeding from the screening on CHT several investigations presented in this review are in progress.