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Review
. 2021 Mar;31(3):387-419.
doi: 10.1089/thy.2020.0333.

Congenital Hypothyroidism: A 2020-2021 Consensus Guidelines Update-An ENDO-European Reference Network Initiative Endorsed by the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and the European Society for Endocrinology

Paul van Trotsenburg  1 , Athanasia Stoupa  2   3   4   5 , Juliane Léger  6   7 , Tilman Rohrer  8 , Catherine Peters  9 , Laura Fugazzola  10   11 , Alessandra Cassio  12 , Claudine Heinrichs  13 , Veronique Beauloye  14 , Joachim Pohlenz  15 , Patrice Rodien  16 , Regis Coutant  17 , Gabor Szinnai  18 , Philip Murray  19   20 , Beate Bartés  21 , Dominique Luton  22   23 , Mariacarolina Salerno  24 , Luisa de Sanctis  25 , Mariacristina Vigone  26 , Heiko Krude  27 , Luca Persani  28   29 , Michel Polak  2   3   4   5   30   31   32
Affiliations
Review

Congenital Hypothyroidism: A 2020-2021 Consensus Guidelines Update-An ENDO-European Reference Network Initiative Endorsed by the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and the European Society for Endocrinology

Paul van Trotsenburg et al. Thyroid. 2021 Mar.

Abstract

Background: An ENDO-European Reference Network (ERN) initiative was launched that was endorsed by the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and the European Society for Endocrinology with 22 participants from the ENDO-ERN and the two societies. The aim was to update the practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of congenital hypothyroidism (CH). A systematic literature search was conducted to identify key articles on neonatal screening, diagnosis, and management of primary and central CH. The evidence-based guidelines were graded with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system, describing both the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. In the absence of sufficient evidence, conclusions were based on expert opinion. Summary: The recommendations include the various neonatal screening approaches for CH as well as the etiology (also genetics), diagnostics, treatment, and prognosis of both primary and central CH. When CH is diagnosed, the expert panel recommends the immediate start of correctly dosed levothyroxine treatment and frequent follow-up including laboratory testing to keep thyroid hormone levels in their target ranges, timely assessment of the need to continue treatment, attention for neurodevelopment and neurosensory functions, and, if necessary, consulting other health professionals, and education of the child and family about CH. Harmonization of diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up will optimize patient outcomes. Lastly, all individuals with CH are entitled to a well-planned transition of care from pediatrics to adult medicine. Conclusions: This consensus guidelines update should be used to further optimize detection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of children with all forms of CH in the light of the most recent evidence. It should be helpful in convincing health authorities of the benefits of neonatal screening for CH. Further epidemiological and experimental studies are needed to understand the increased incidence of this condition.

Keywords: central hypothyroidism; congenital hypothyroidism; dyshormonogenesis; guidelines; neonatal screening; thyroid dysgenesis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Part of the scientific study performed by A.S. and M.P. in relation to congenital hypothyroidism was financed by grants from EDF, Sandoz SAS Merck Serono France, and nonprofit Princess Grace Foundation of Monaco as well as by French public nonprofit funding agency Programme Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique (ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT01916018, P110120 – IDRCB 2012-A00797-36). A.S. was supported by the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Research Fellowship Grant and Alexander S. Onassis Foundation. The financing bodies were not involved in reviewing the content of this article. The remaining authors of the article have no conflicts of interest to declare related to the guideline content.

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