Question

How is congenital hypothyroidism treated?

Answer

Congenital hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism) is a condition characterized by a decrease in thyroid hormone production and secretion, or insufficient physiological effects, leading to a slowdown in metabolism. Treatment primarily includes:

  1. Lifelong Replacement Therapy: Early mild cases typically involve the use of oral thyroid tablets or levothyroxine. By testing thyroid function, maintain TSH within the normal range.
  2. Symptomatic Treatment: For moderate to severe cases in the middle and late stages, in addition to oral thyroid tablets or levothyroxine, symptomatic treatment is required, such as oxygen therapy, intravenous fluid administration, infection control, and management of heart failure. For high fever with seizures, treatment should prevent excessive induction of hypothyroidism.