CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM IN SWEDEN Psychomotor Development in Patients Detected by Clinical Signs and Symptoms

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Abstract
Children (39) at 7-9 yr of age with congenital hypothyroidism were studied with respect to their intellectual, neurological and social functions. Their intellectual achievement as assessed by the WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) test, was significantly lower than in a reference population (mean IQ 88, range 50-113). In children who showed signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism during their first 5 wk of life, there was a negative correlation between the age when therapy was started and intellectual development. No such correlation was found in children who showed signs and symptoms after the first 4 wk of life. Nine children of 26 with signs of hypothyroidism in the neonatal period were found to have neurological abnormalities consisting of fine and gross motor disturbances. The neurological abnormalities seriously affected daily life in only the 2 most severely mentally retarded. No correlation was found between the age when the therapy was started and neurological abnormalities. Three children attended special schools because of mental retardation and 6 attended normal schools but required additional teaching assistance for learning disabilities. The risk of future intellectual handicaps may be reduced by early treatment in children with hypothyroidism presenting during the neonatal period.