Neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism in the public sector of santa fe during the pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) is a pathology characterized by thyroid hormone de"ciency which, if not treated immediately, causes severe irreversible mental retardation. It’s detection is mandatory by National Law No. 26.279. It is assumed that, during the pandemic, the diagnosis time was a!ected. #is work describes the development of neonatal screening for this pathology in children of the public sector in the province of Santa Fe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods: quantitative, descriptive, observational, cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of 76 patients with positive neonatal screening (NS) diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism and/or hyperthyrotropinemia during the period 01-01-2020 to 31-12-2021.

Results: All variables su!ered alterations. #e quality of sample collection (SC) decreased by 27%, transport had 25% of delayed cards, the analysis was e!ective in 69%, the location of children with positive PN in optimal time was 21%, and the definitive diagnosis on time was 42%, with an average of 24 days ± 11