Newborn Screening and Treatment for Congenital Hypothyroidism, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Together with the National Referral Hospital (NRH) team in Honiara and A/Professor Shubha Srinivasan from the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Taking Paediatrics Abroad (TPA) is supporting the screening of newborns in Honiara for Congenital Hypothyroidism. This project aims for early detection and treatment to prevent disability.
Clinical guidelines for NRH maternity and pediatric staff will ensure proper testing treatment, and family support. Providing written information to families will support testing participation, appropriate treatment, and ongoing monitoring. This process includes obtaining parental consent for cord blood testing, assisting families needing additional testing, and supporting those with babies requiring ongoing treatment with thyroxine.
Undiagnosed neonatal hypothyroidism is a significant issue as it affects 1 in 2,000-4,000 babies worldwide, leading to disability and growth stunting but can be prevented with early, low-cost hormone treatment.
Professor Srinivasan, in collaboration with the NRH pediatric team and TPA, plans a 2-3 year project to detect and treat congenital hypothyroidism in Solomon Islands newborns, including building local testing capacity. The Community Development Grant will support developing guidelines for health professionals and providing parents with materials to understand the importance of ongoing treatment and monitoring.