If a newborn blood screening result shows that your baby could have a serious condition called primary congenital hypothyroidism (PCH). This result does not mean that your baby has this condition, but that more tests are needed.
All babies born in California have a routine blood screen shortly after birth. The goal of this newborn screening is to find those at risk for serious medical conditions. Babies can look healthy at birth and still have one of these conditions. Babies with these conditions benefit from early diagnosis and treatment.
What is primary congenital hypothyroidism or PCH?
Primary congenital hypothyroidism or PCH involves the body's thyroid gland, a small organ in the lower neck that makes thyroid hormone. The thyroid glands of babies with hypothyroidism may be small, located in the wrong place, or missing altogether. As a result, not enough thyroid hormone is produced to support the baby’s growth, brain development, and ability to change food into energy.
Is there treatment for PCH?
Yes. If PCH is found early, treatment is more successful.
Thyroid hormone may be prescribed to replace the missing hormones the baby's body cannot make. It is important that the baby receive enough hormone every day to help them grow.
Next steps
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Your baby’s medical provider will help arrange for more testing as soon as possible. These tests will let you know if your baby has PCH.
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Work closely with your baby’s medical provider and follow recommendations. Your baby’s medical provider may refer your baby to a doctor who specializes in PCH. It is important that you keep all appointments and start treatment if ordered by the doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your baby’s medical provider or PCH doctor is the best person to teach you about this condition. Find more information at these websites:
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Baby’s First Test. Type “congenital hypothyroidism” into the “Find a Condition” box and follow the link. For Spanish, click on the top right black box marked “en Español.”