ESPE Abstracts

Introduction: A natiowide screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) was introduced 1996 in Russian Federation and Saratov Region. Revelation of the incidence of CH is of great value at the background of moderate iodine deficiency existing in Saratov and Saratov Region. Neonatal screening is an effective method for early detection of congenital hypothyroidism, a disorder that requires the prompt initiation of the treatment, in order to prevent the subsequent neuropsychiatric disorders.

Objective: To evaluate the results of the screening program for CH in Saratov and Saratov Region population for 26 years 1996-2021. To determine the incidence of hypothyroidism at birth in 1996-2021.

Patients and Methods: Newborns underwent TSH (mU/l) determination from blood spots, taken at 24–72 h after birth using «DELFIA Neonatal hTSH» were measured. TSH levels were assessed by ELISA method in the regional medical genetic center. The diagnosis was confirmed by TSH, T4 and free-T4 levels in patient’s serum. We analyzed data of the regional medical genetic center.

Results: In 1996-2000, the rate of incidences of CH among screened infants was 1:3700 newborns, in 2021 CH was diagnosed in 1 from 4506 newborns. The CH prevalence in Saratov region of for 26 years of screening was 1:4679, a total of 145 children were identified with CH. In 1996-2000, the age of the Levothyroxine (L-T4) replacement therapy was 58-42 days of life, in 2012-2021 – 16-13 days of life. Early diagnosis and treatment with adequate doses of L-T4 have rescued affected children from a life of mental retardation. In 1996-2000, the rate of incidences of neonatal hyperthyreotropinemia (NHT) among screened infants was 37%, in 2001-2021 due to iodine support during pregnancy – 5%.

Conclusions: In summary, the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism in Saratov and Saratov region is within the limits reported in Europe. The frequency of NHT has decreased by 7.8 times over 26 years: from 37% to 5%. However, this indicator remains higher than the WHO target criteria for iodine-rich regions (<3%), which indicates that currently mild iodine deficiency persists in pregnant women and newborns in the Saratov and Saratov region.