Screening for congenital hypothyroidism in Thailand: has its time come?

ABSTRACT

The incidence of congenital hypothyroidism at Ramathibodi Hospital was approximately 12,486-13,843 livebirths, comparable to those found in other industrialized countries. The screening program utilizing TSH measured by a kit manufactured in Thailand was accurate and cost-benefit. It is time to organize TSH screening at least in a university hospital in Thailand to prevent the social burden of raising mentally-handicapped children.