The thyroid gland present in our body is responsible for the production of thyroid hormones inside our body which are responsible for controlling metabolic action, growth and brain development of our body .The congenital hypothyroidism is the disorder which occurs in infants and may be defined as the disorder in which the thyroid hormones are not produced in adequate amount and hence affect the growth patterns and the mental retardation. It is basically a genetic disorder which occurs due to mutation (changes) in the genes.1 in 3600 cases of congenital hypothyroidism is reported worldwide. There are various causes associated with congenital hypothyroidism and are given as below:

• Thyroid gland is absent as a whole
• Thyroid gland is located abnormally at a location other than where it should be normally present
• The size of the gland is reduced as compared to the normal size
• Thyroid gland does not function properly.
• Iodine deficiency inside the body as a result of which hypothyroidism occurs
• Presence of maternal antibodies and gene mutation or genetic variance.

As such no visible symptoms are present which are visible for congenital hypothyroidism. The various symptoms of the congenital hypothyroidism which may be visible in some cases after some time of birth are as follows:

• Excessive sleeping
• Disinterest in nursing
• Poor muscle development
• Lower body temperature
• Poor bowel movement
• Exaggerated jaundice
• Mental impairment of the brain

The diagnosis of this is carried out in developed countries on the second or third day of the life of the individual. It is done by undergoing blood test which tells the measurement of TSH or T4.a thyroid scan is recommended if the gland is shown abnormally.

The genetic defects occur in the thyroid hormone synthesis. The other specific defects are:

• thyrotropin resistance
• Iodine trapping defect
• organification defect,
• thyroglobulin
• Deficiency of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
• There may also be some inborn disorders

After the child is diagnosed with the congenital hypothyroid, then, he/she is subjected to treatment so that the thyroid levels inside the body are normal and there is proper metabolic action, growth and mental development. The treatment consists of a tablet generally Levothyroxine which acts as a supplement for thyroxine and is crushed and given to the infant with milk and water. This makes the level of the thyroid hormones balanced in the blood.

Some facts and figures about the congenital hypothyroidism are as follows:

• In the developed countries, the amount has been reported to be 1 in 4000, whereas in case of the developing countries the number in around 1 in 1400.
• The female to male ratio has been found out to be 2:1.
• The twins are twelve times at a higher risk as compared to singletons.

Thus for keeping a check on the congenital hypothyroidism the mothers should take care of their diet in pregnancy and should intake adequate amount of iodine in their diet. Also, as soon as the child is born he/she should be checked for the presence of this disorder.