Dr.Shaila Bhattacharya,Paediatric Endocrinologist,Manipal addressing media.

CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM CAN BE PREVENTED IF DETECTED EARLY.

"Congenital Hypothroidism" is a condition in new born babies that is caused due to the deficiency of thyroid harmones.In new born babies,thyroid harmones are extremely important for brain development and overall growth.

It is not a disease but a deficiency.The doctors who participated, strongly advise that the new born baby should be tested for Hypothyroidism within 3 to 4 days after birth.They advise that even the pregnant mothers to be tested for Thyroid within 3 months of pregnancy. To reduce the 
risk,during pregnancy and under the strict guidance of the doctor,mothers should consume
enough iodine.They should be careful to not to have radio active iodine treatment or use 
iodine as antiseptic.

Once a baby is diagnosed with Congenital Hypothyroidism,the baby is immediately started 
on throid harmone replacement.Early diagnosis and adequate treatment from the first  
weeks of life, result in normal growth and intelligence of the child.

Apart from Dr.Shaila Bhattacharya,Dr.(Prof) Raghupathy,Paediatric endocrinologist,Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health,Dr.K.M.Prasanna Kumar, Consultant Endocrinologist,
and Dr.Sudeep  Acharya,Senior Medical Advisor,GSK Pharmaceuticals participated in the discussion.