Thyroid hormone levels in term and preterm neonates

Screening for thyroid hormone levels in the first week of life is extremely important to identify infants with CH. Worldwide neonatal screening programs have been successful in decreasing childhood mental retardation related to CH by early detection and treatment. To successfully screen for CH, nurs...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNeonatal network Vol. 26; no. 4; p. 253
Main Author Knobel, Robin B
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.07.2007
Subjects
Aftercare
Algorithms
Congenital Hypothyroidism - blood
Congenital Hypothyroidism - diagnosis
Congenital Hypothyroidism - drug therapy
Decision Trees
Fetal Blood - chemistry
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature, Diseases - blood
Infant, Premature, Diseases - diagnosis
Infant, Premature, Diseases - drug therapy
Neonatal Nursing
Neonatal Screening
Nursing Assessment
Reference Values
Thyroid Gland - physiology
Thyroid Hormones - blood
Thyroid Hormones - chemistry
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Summary:Screening for thyroid hormone levels in the first week of life is extremely important to identify infants with CH. Worldwide neonatal screening programs have been successful in decreasing childhood mental retardation related to CH by early detection and treatment. To successfully screen for CH, nurses must understand how to draw blood that will yield valid results on the metabolic screening filter paper. It is also important for the nurse to understand that thyroid levels are normally decreased in preterm infants and that regular follow-up of those low thyroid levels is crucial because levels may return to normal and eventual treatment is necessary. Early follow-up testing and treatment are essential. A thyroid scan or ultrasonography is optional and decided on by evaluating the risk-benefit ratio.
ISSN:0730-0832
1539-2880
DOI:10.1891/0730-0832.26.4.253