Unusual occurrence of congenital hypothyroidism in a set of same sex triplets: challenges of diagnosis in a resource poor setting

Abstract

Congenital hypothyroidism is the most common endocrinological disorder in children. Genetic and intrauterine factors have been implicated in its aetiology. The aim of this study was to describe an unusual occurrence of congenital hypothyroidism in a set of same sex triplets and challenges associated with the diagnosis. This is a review of a set of female triplets delivered at 34 weeks gestational age and noticed to have reduced activity, hypotonia and poor suck. On testing for thyroid hormones the patients were found to be hypothyroid. However this diagnosis was delayed until the 6th week of life as a result of difficulties in running the test. The subjects of the study were placed on thyroxine supplementation and have been doing well. Congenital hypothyroidism can occur in multiple order pregnancies and clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for its occurrence.

Keywords: Congenital hypothyroidism; Triplets; Diagnosis