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Hypothyroidism Clinic
Contact: Anne Leavitt, For appointments call Vicki Frasher or Caitlin Haberfield at 206-598-1800
Core Function: Clinical Services
The Hypothyroidism Clinic provides developmental follow-up for children who have been identified through the state of Washington's newborn screening program and diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism. Children seen in the clinic receive periodic developmental assessments to evaluate developmental progress and the need for intervention services.
Congenital hypothyroidism is a condition of thyroid hormone deficiency present at birth. Approximately 1 in 4,000 newborn infants have a severe deficiency of thyroid function, while even more have mild or partial degrees of thyroid function. If untreated for several months after birth, severe congenital hypothyroidism can lead to growth failure and permanent mental retardation. Treatment consists of a daily dose of thyroid hormone by mouth. Because the treatment is simple, effective, and inexpensive, newborn screening is used to detect and treat congenital hypothyroidism in the first weeks of life.
The Hypothyroidism Clinic opened in 1980 and serves about 30 clients each year. Infants are seen by a developmental pediatrician and a pediatric occupational therapist shortly after their diagnosis at 6-12 months and by pediatrics and psychology at their follow-up visits at ages 3, 5, and 12 years. |
