TY - JOUR T1 - Screening, diagnosis and management of congenital hypothyroidism: European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Consensus Guideline JF - Archives of disease in childhood - Education & practice edition JO - Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed SP - 260 LP - 263 DO - 10.1136/archdischild-2014-307738 VL - 100 IS - 5 AU - Hannah Jacob AU - Catherine Peters Y1 - 2015/10/01 UR - http://ep.bmj.com/content/100/5/260.abstract N2 - The European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) published this guideline in January 2014. Its aim is to provide evidence-based recommendations for ‘optimal screening, prompt diagnosis, and adequate treatment’ of congenital hypothyroidism (CH).1 The guideline was formulated by a panel of experts from the ESPE and invited paediatric endocrinologist colleagues from around the world.In 2013, the UK Newborn Screening Programme Centre, together with the UK Screening Laboratories Network and the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED), produced ‘Congenital Hypothyroidism: Initial Clinical Referral Standards and Guidelines’.2 This outlined the screening protocol nationwide, including thresholds for diagnosis, referral and recommendations for treatment. This guideline is particularly relevant to UK paediatricians given its reference to national screening policies and configuration of child health services. For example, it recommends that CH management be the responsibility of a paediatric endocrinologist or other lead paediatrician with appropriate experience. There are also national guidelines for CH screening in preterm infants (see box 1 for resources). Box 1 ResourcesFull guideline: Leger et al.1UK information for parents: http://newbornbloodspot.screening.nhs.uk/chtUK standards and guidelines https://www.bsped.org.uk/clinical/docs/128977_ Congenital_Booklet_A4_12pp-5LO.pdfUK guidelines for preterm infants http://www.newbornbloodspot.screening.nhs.uk/cht-preterm-policyESPE and the American Academy of Pediatrics have also published previous guidelines. Nevertheless, considerable variations in practice persist worldwide, spurring the development of this guideline.3–5 Indeed, an audit of UK practice found marked variation, particularly around treatment and follow-up arrangements.6 Neonatal screening: primary CH is best detected by determination of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration, either on dried blood spot or venous sampling. Second screening of those in whom TSH may be suppressed initially, including preterm and unwell neonates, or those with a low birth weight, should be arranged before discharge from hospital. The BSPED 2012 guideline on CH screening in preterms recommends that for infants born <32 weeks … ER -