Validación externa y reproducibilidad del cuestionario PUMA para el diagnóstico de EPOC en una población latinoamericana: validación externa del cuestionario PUMA / External validation and reproducibility of the PUMA questionnaire for the diagnosis of COPD in a Latin American population: external validation of the PUMA questionnaire

Resumen El uso de escalas de predicción clínica puede incrementar la detección temprana de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC). Su rendimiento en población latinoamericana ha sido pobremente estudiado. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la validez y reproducibilidad del cuestionario PUMA, como herramienta de tamización en atención primaria en población colombiana, mediante un estudio tipo corte transversal; donde se establecieron las características operativas del cuestionario, área bajo la curva de características operativas del receptor (ACOR) y el mejor punto de corte para esta población. 1.980 sujetos fueron incluidos en el análisis. La prevalencia de EPOC correspondió a 18,9%. La capacidad discriminatoria del cuestionario fue de 0,69 (IC95%: 0,66-0,72), para un punto de corte óptimo mayor de 5, con una sensibilidad del 60%, especificidad 66% y un valor predictivo negativo de 88%. La escala PUMA para tamizaje de pacientes en riesgo de EPOC tiene una capacidad discriminatoria moderada y una excelente reproducibilidad en la población estudiada.

The use of clinical prediction scales may increase the early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The performance characteristics of these scales in the Latin American population is poorly studied. We aimed to evaluate validity and reproducibility of PUMA questionnaire as a screening tool in primary care in a Colombian population. A cross-sectional study was performed. Operational characteristics of the questionnaire, the area under the received operator curve (AUROC), and the best cut-off point of the score were calculated. 1,980 individuals were included in this analysis. Prevalence of COPD was 18.9%. AUROC of the questionary was 0.69 (CI95%: 0.66-0.72), with an optimal cut-off point greater than 5 (sensitivity 60%, specificity 66%); predictive negative value was 88%. PUMA's scale for the screening of patients at risk of COPD has a moderate accuracy and an excellent reproducibility in the studied population.

Estimating the annual dengue force of infection from the age of reporting primary infections across urban centres in endemic countries.

BACKGROUND: Stratifying dengue risk within endemic countries is crucial for allocating limited control interventions. Current methods of monitoring dengue transmission intensity rely on potentially inaccurate incidence estimates. We investigated whether incidence or alternate metrics obtained from standard, or laboratory, surveillance operations represent accurate surrogate indicators of the burden of dengue and can be used to monitor the force of infection (FOI) across urban centres. METHODS: Among those who reported and resided in 13 cities across the Philippines, we collected epidemiological data from all dengue case reports between 2014 and 2017 (N 80,043) and additional laboratory data from a cross-section of sampled case reports (N 11,906) between 2014 and 2018. At the city level, we estimated the aggregated annual FOI from age-accumulated IgG among the non-dengue reporting population using catalytic modelling. We compared city-aggregated FOI estimates to aggregated incidence and the mean age of clinically and laboratory diagnosed dengue cases using Pearson's Correlation coefficient and generated predicted FOI estimates using regression modelling. RESULTS: We observed spatial heterogeneity in the dengue average annual FOI across sampled cities, ranging from 0.054 [0.036-0.081] to 0.249 [0.223-0.279]. Compared to FOI estimates, the mean age of primary dengue infections had the strongest association (ρ -0.848, p value<0.001) followed by the mean age of those reporting with warning signs (ρ -0.642, p value 0.018). Using regression modelling, we estimated the predicted annual dengue FOI across urban centres from the age of those reporting with primary infections and revealed prominent spatio-temporal heterogeneity in transmission intensity. CONCLUSIONS: We show the mean age of those reporting with their first dengue infection or those reporting with warning signs of dengue represent superior indicators of the dengue FOI compared to crude incidence across urban centres. Our work provides a framework for national dengue surveillance to routinely monitor transmission and target control interventions to populations most in need.

Serological Evidence of Widespread Zika Transmission across the Philippines.

Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure across flavivirus-endemic countries, including the Philippines, remains largely unknown despite sporadic case reporting and environmental suitability for transmission. Using laboratory surveillance data from 2016, 997 serum samples were randomly selected from suspected dengue (DENV) case reports across the Philippines and assayed for serological markers of short-term (IgM) and long-term (IgG) ZIKV exposure. Using mixture models, we re-evaluated ZIKV IgM/G seroprevalence thresholds and used catalytic models to quantify the force of infection (attack rate, AR) from age-accumulated ZIKV exposure. While we observed extensive ZIKV/DENV IgG cross-reactivity, not all individuals with active DENV presented with elevated ZIKV IgG, and a proportion of dengue-negative cases (DENV IgG-) were ZIKV IgG-positive (14.3%, 9/63). We identified evidence of long-term, yet not short-term, ZIKV exposure across Philippine regions (ZIKV IgG+: 31.5%, 314/997) which was geographically uncorrelated with DENV exposure. In contrast to the DENV AR (12.7% (95%CI: 9.1-17.4%)), the ZIKV AR was lower (5.7% (95%CI: 3-11%)) across the country. Our results provide evidence of widespread ZIKV exposure across the Philippines and suggest the need for studies to identify ZIKV infection risk factors over time to better prepare for potential future outbreaks.

A serological framework to investigate acute primary and post-primary dengue cases reporting across the Philippines.

BACKGROUND: In dengue-endemic countries, targeting limited control interventions to populations at risk of severe disease could enable increased efficiency. Individuals who have had their first (primary) dengue infection are at risk of developing more severe secondary disease, thus could be targeted for disease prevention. Currently, there is no reliable algorithm for determining primary and post-primary (infection with more than one flavivirus) status from a single serum sample. In this study, we developed and validated an immune status algorithm using single acute serum samples from reporting patients and investigated dengue immuno-epidemiological patterns across the Philippines. METHODS: During 2015/2016, a cross-sectional sample of 10,137 dengue case reports provided serum for molecular (anti-DENV PCR) and serological (anti-DENV IgM/G capture ELISA) assay. Using mixture modelling, we re-assessed IgM/G seroprevalence and estimated functional, disease day-specific, IgG:IgM ratios that categorised the reporting population as negative, historical, primary and post-primary for dengue. We validated our algorithm against WHO gold standard criteria and investigated cross-reactivity with Zika by assaying a random subset for anti-ZIKV IgM and IgG. Lastly, using our algorithm, we explored immuno-epidemiological patterns of dengue across the Philippines. RESULTS: Our modelled IgM and IgG seroprevalence thresholds were lower than kit-provided thresholds. Individuals anti-DENV PCR+ or IgM+ were classified as active dengue infections (83.1%, 6998/8425). IgG- and IgG+ active dengue infections on disease days 1 and 2 were categorised as primary and post-primary, respectively, while those on disease days 3 to 5 with IgG:IgM ratios below and above 0.45 were classified as primary and post-primary, respectively. A significant proportion of post-primary dengue infections had elevated anti-ZIKV IgG inferring previous Zika exposure. Our algorithm achieved 90.5% serological agreement with WHO standard practice. Post-primary dengue infections were more likely to be older and present with severe symptoms. Finally, we identified a spatio-temporal cluster of primary dengue case reporting in northern Luzon during 2016. CONCLUSIONS: Our dengue immune status algorithm can equip surveillance operations with the means to target dengue control efforts. The algorithm accurately identified primary dengue infections who are at risk of future severe disease.

[Bearing surfaces in primary hip arthroplasty. Is there any difference?] / Pares articulares en prótesis primaria de cadera. ¿Existe alguna diferencia?

INTRODUCTION: In primary hip replacement, different materials are used for bearing surfaces. In our medium metal or ceramic heads with highly crossed-linked polyethylene (PA) are the most used. These combinations have good results, but it is not clear which is clinically superior. The objective of this study is to determine whether there is any clinically significant difference based on a systematic review of the literature and national registries of arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conduct a systematic review of the literature and national registries of arthroplasty and we were looking for studies comparing bearing surfaces: ceramic-highly cross-linked polyethylene (CP) and metal-highly cross-linked polyethylene (MP); describing the revision rate according to the surface type with a minimum 10-year follow-up. The outcome evaluated was: review rate for any cause depending on surface type. RESULTS: Two out of fifteen national registries were included. The Australian registry shows a difference in the 15-year revision rate: CP: 6.3 (IC 5.8, 6.7) vs MP: 5.1 (IC 4.6, 5.7). The New Zealand registry shows no differences in revision rate/100 components/year: CP 0.54 (0.48-0.61) vs MP 0.61 (0.57-0.66). We do not find clinical studies with inclusion criteria that answer the research question. CONCLUSION: The results of this review show a high survival rate with the use of highly cross-linked polyethylene, the results are similar when using ceramic or metal heads.

INTRODUCCIÓN: En un reemplazo total de cadera primario (RTC), diferentes materiales son los que se usan para las superficies de apoyo. En nuestro medio, las cabezas de metal o cerámica con polietileno altamente entrecruzado (PA) son los más utilizados. Estas combinaciones tienen buenos resultados, pero no es claro cuál es superior clínicamente. Basados en una revisión sistemática de la literatura y de los registros nacionales de artroplastía, el objetivo de este estudio es determinar si existe alguna diferencia significativa desde el punto de vista clínico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Realizamos una revisión sistemática de la literatura y de los registros nacionales de artroplastía. Buscamos estudios en los que se compararan los tipos de superficie de contacto: cerámica-polietileno altamente entrecruzado (CP) y metal-polietileno altamente entrecruzado (MP), además de los registros nacionales de artroplastía que describieran, con un seguimiento mínimo de 10 años, la tasa de revisión según el tipo de superficie. El desenlace evaluado fue: tasa de revisión por cualquier causa según el tipo de superficie. RESULTADOS: Dos de quince registros nacionales fueron incluidos: el registro australiano muestra una diferencia en la tasa de revisión a 15 años, comparando CP: 6.3 (IC 5.8, 6.7) contra MP: 5.1 (IC 4.6, 5.7). El registro de Nueva Zelanda no muestra diferencias en la tasa de revisión/100 componentes/año: CP de 0.54 (0.48-0.61) en comparación con MP de 0.61 (0.57-0.66). No encontramos estudios clínicos con los criterios de inclusión que respondan la pregunta de investigación. CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados de esta revisión muestran una alta supervivencia cuando se usa polietileno altamente entrecruzado; asimismo, los resultados son similares cuando se utilizan cabezas de cerámica o metálicas.

Genetic diversity of species A rotaviruses detected in clinical and environmental samples, including porcine-like rotaviruses from hospitalized children in the Philippines.

Rotaviruses are the major cause of severe acute diarrhea in infants and young children. Rotaviruses exhibit zoonosis and thereby infect both humans and animals. Viruses detected in urban rivers possibly reflect the presence of circulating viruses in the catchment. The present study investigates the genetic diversity of species A rotaviruses detected from river water and stool of hospitalized children with acute diarrhea in Tacloban City, the Philippines. Species A rotaviruses were detected by real-time RT-PCR and their genotypes were identified by multiplex PCR and sequencing of partial regions of VP7 and VP4. Rotaviruses were detected in 85.7% (30/35) of the river water samples and 62.7% (151/241) of the clinical samples. Genotypes of VP7 in the river water samples were G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, and G9, and those of VP4 were P[3], P[4], P[6], P[8], and P[13]. Genotypes of viruses from the clinical samples were G2P[4], G1P[8], G3P[8], G4P[6], G5P[6], and G9P[8]. Among those, G2P[4] in clinical samples (77.9%, 81/104) and P[4] of VP4 in river water samples (67.5%, 56/83)) were the most frequently detected rotavirus genotypes. However, G5 was the more frequently detected than G2 in the river water samples (42% vs. 13%) which may be originated from porcine rotavirus. Sequence analyses of eleven gene segments revealed one G5P[6] and two G4P[6] rotaviruses in the clinical samples, wherein, several gene segments were closely related to porcine rotaviruses. The constellation of these rotavirus genes suggests the emergence of reassortment between human and porcine rotavirus due to interspecies transmission. Although two commercial rotavirus vaccines are available now, these vaccines are designed to confer immunity against the major human rotaviruses. Constant monitoring of viral variety in populated areas where humans and domestic animals live in close proximity provides vital information related to the diversity of rotaviruses in a human population.

Pares articulares en prótesis primaria de cadera. ¿Existe alguna diferencia? / Bearing surfaces in primary hip arthroplasty. Is there any difference?

Resumen: Introducción: En un reemplazo total de cadera primario (RTC), diferentes materiales son los que se usan para las superficies de apoyo. En nuestro medio, las cabezas de metal o cerámica con polietileno altamente entrecruzado (PA) son los más utilizados. Estas combinaciones tienen buenos resultados, pero no es claro cuál es superior clínicamente. Basados en una revisión sistemática de la literatura y de los registros nacionales de artroplastía, el objetivo de este estudio es determinar si existe alguna diferencia significativa desde el punto de vista clínico. Material y métodos: Realizamos una revisión sistemática de la literatura y de los registros nacionales de artroplastía. Buscamos estudios en los que se compararan los tipos de superficie de contacto: cerámica-polietileno altamente entrecruzado (CP) y metal-polietileno altamente entrecruzado (MP), además de los registros nacionales de artroplastía que describieran, con un seguimiento mínimo de 10 años, la tasa de revisión según el tipo de superficie. El desenlace evaluado fue: tasa de revisión por cualquier causa según el tipo de superficie. Resultados: Dos de quince registros nacionales fueron incluidos: el registro australiano muestra una diferencia en la tasa de revisión a 15 años, comparando CP: 6.3 (IC 5.8, 6.7) contra MP: 5.1 (IC 4.6, 5.7). El registro de Nueva Zelanda no muestra diferencias en la tasa de revisión/100 componentes/año: CP de 0.54 (0.48-0.61) en comparación con MP de 0.61 (0.57-0.66). No encontramos estudios clínicos con los criterios de inclusión que respondan la pregunta de investigación. Conclusión: Los resultados de esta revisión muestran una alta supervivencia cuando se usa polietileno altamente entrecruzado; asimismo, los resultados son similares cuando se utilizan cabezas de cerámica o metálicas.

Abstract: Introduction: In primary hip replacement, different materials are used for bearing surfaces. In our medium metal or ceramic heads with highly crossed-linked polyethylene (PA) are the most used. These combinations have good results, but it is not clear which is clinically superior. The objective of this study is to determine whether there is any clinically significant difference based on a systematic review of the literature and national registries of arthroplasty. Material and methods: We conduct a systematic review of the literature and national registries of arthroplasty and we were looking for studies comparing bearing surfaces: ceramic-highly cross-linked polyethylene (CP) and metal-highly cross-linked polyethylene (MP); describing the revision rate according to the surface type with a minimum 10-year follow-up. The outcome evaluated was: review rate for any cause depending on surface type. Results: Two out of fifteen national registries were included. The Australian registry shows a difference in the 15-year revision rate: CP: 6.3 (IC 5.8, 6.7) vs MP: 5.1 (IC 4.6, 5.7). The New Zealand registry shows no differences in revision rate/100 components/year: CP 0.54 (0.48-0.61) vs MP 0.61 (0.57-0.66). We do not find clinical studies with inclusion criteria that answer the research question. Conclusion: The results of this review show a high survival rate with the use of highly cross-linked polyethylene, the results are similar when using ceramic or metal heads.

Hepatitis B seroprevalence among 5 to 6 years old children in the Philippines born prior to routine hepatitis B vaccination at birth.

To assess the prevalence of hepatitis B in the Philippines, we conducted a cross-sectional study among 5 to 6 year old children born in 2007-2008, when the birth dose started to be implemented in the country. The study was conducted from 25 July to 22 October 2013 in 24 provinces and used a 3-stage cluster design and probability-proportional to size sampling. Blood was obtained and sera were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The survey included 2,769 children, of whom 26% received a timely birth dose (within 24 hours of birth) and 89% received 3 doses of the hepatitis B vaccine. Due to problems in the initial testing algorithm, only 2,407 sera were available for HBsAg testing, 20 (weighted%, 0.86%) were HBsAg positive. By immunization card and recall, among HBsAg positive children, 2 (weighted%, 20%) received a timely birth dose while 17 (weighted%, 85%) received 3 doses of the hepatitis B vaccine. The seroprevalence of HBsAg that we detected was lower than expected. However, there were several limitations in the field and in the laboratory that may have affected the representativeness of the results. Follow up studies need to be conducted to validate these results.

Independent Emergence of the Cosmopolitan Asian Chikungunya Virus, Philippines 2012.

Outbreaks involving the Asian genotype Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) caused over one million infections in the Americas recently. The outbreak was preceded by a major nationwide outbreak in the Philippines. We examined the phylogenetic and phylogeographic relationships of representative CHIKV isolates obtained from the 2012 Philippines outbreak with other CHIKV isolates collected globally. Asian CHIKV isolated from the Philippines, China, Micronesia and Caribbean regions were found closely related, herein denoted as Cosmopolitan Asian CHIKV (CACV). Three adaptive amino acid substitutions in nsP3 (D483N), E1 (P397L) and E3 (Q19R) were identified among CACV. Acquisition of the nsP3-483N mutation in Compostela Valley followed by E1-397L/E3-19R in Laguna preceded the nationwide spread in the Philippines. The China isolates possessed two of the amino acid substitutions, nsP3-D483N and E1-P397L whereas the Micronesian and Caribbean CHIKV inherited all the three amino acid substitutions. The unique amino acid substitutions observed among the isolates suggest multiple independent virus dissemination events. The possible biological importance of the specific genetic signatures associated with the rapid global of the virus is not known and warrant future in-depth study and epidemiological follow-up. Molecular evidence, however, supports the Philippines outbreak as the possible origin of the CACV.

Molecular detection and characterization of sapovirus in hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis in the Philippines.

BACKGROUND: Human sapovirus (SaV) is a causative agent of acute gastroenteritis. Recently, SaV detection has been increasing worldwide due to the emerging SaV genotype I.2. However, SaV infection has not been reported in the Philippines. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of SaV in hospitalized children aged less than 5 years with acute gastroenteritis. STUDY DESIGN: Stool samples were collected from children with acute gastroenteritis at three hospitals in the Philippines from June 2012 to August 2013. SaV was detected by reverse transcription real-time PCR, and the polymerase and capsid gene sequences were analyzed. Full genome sequencing and recombination analysis were performed on possible recombinant viruses. RESULTS: SaV was detected in 7.0% of the tested stool samples (29/417). In 10 SaV-positive cases, other viruses were also detected, including rotavirus (n=6), norovirus (n=2), and human astrovirus (n=2). Four known SaV genotypes (GI.1 [7], GI.2 [2], GII.1 [12], and GV [2]) and one novel recombinant (n=3) were identified by polymerase and capsid gene sequence analysis. Full genome sequencing revealed that the 5' nontranslated region (NTR) and nonstructural protein region of the novel recombinant were closely related to the GII.1 Bristol/98/UK variant, whereas the structural protein region and 3' NTR were closely related to the GII.4 Kumamoto6/Mar2003/JPN variant. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: SaV was regularly detected in hospitalized children due to acute gastroenteritis during the study period. A novel recombinant, SaV GII.1/GII.4, was identified in three cases at two different study sites.

Epidemiology of Japanese encephalitis in the Philippines: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is an important cause of encephalitis in most of Asia, with high case fatality rates and often significant neurologic sequelae among survivors. The epidemiology of JE in the Philippines is not well defined. To support consideration of JE vaccine for introduction into the national schedule in the Philippines, we conducted a systematic literature review and summarized JE surveillance data from 2011 to 2014. METHODS: We conducted searches on Japanese encephalitis and the Philippines in four databases and one library. Data from acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) and JE surveillance and from the national reference laboratory from January 2011 to March 2014 were tabulated and mapped. RESULTS: We identified 29 published reports and presentations on JE in the Philippines, including 5 serologic surveys, 18 reports of clinical cases, and 8 animal studies (including two with both clinical cases and animal data). The 18 clinical studies reported 257 cases of laboratory-confirmed JE from 1972 to 2013. JE virus (JEV) was the causative agent in 7% to 18% of cases of clinical meningitis and encephalitis combined, and 16% to 40% of clinical encephalitis cases. JE predominantly affected children under 15 years of age and 6% to 7% of cases resulted in death. Surveillance data from January 2011 to March 2014 identified 73 (15%) laboratory-confirmed JE cases out of 497 cases tested. SUMMARY: This comprehensive review demonstrates the endemicity and extensive geographic range of JE in the Philippines, and supports the use of JE vaccine in the country. Continued and improved surveillance with laboratory confirmation is needed to systematically quantify the burden of JE, to provide information that can guide prioritization of high risk areas in the country and determination of appropriate age and schedule of vaccine introduction, and to measure the impact of preventive measures including immunization against this important public health threat.

A case of a 38-year old female with right-sided weakness, hypertension and hypokalemia

This patient is a 38 year old housewife who has been hypertensive and hypokalemic since age 23. She suffered her first stroke at age 32 and a seizure just one week prior to admission. This paper will discuss the clues to the diagnosis of secondary hypertension.

Sobrevivencia en cardiopatía valvular reumática postcirugía valvular

Objetivos: Determinar retrospectivamente la supervivencia y los factores asociados a mortalidad, en pacientes con cardiopatía valvular reumática sometidos a cirugía valvular en el Hospital Hipólito Unánue durante el período 1986-1996. Métodos: las historias clínicas de 70 pacientes, cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se analizaron los resultados de los datos de los pacientes, de la evolución post-quirúrgica, de las complicaciones y probables causas de mortalidad, estableciendo cálculos de probabilidad de sobrevida y factores asociados. Resultados: La sobrevida post-operatoria en un tiempo promedio de seguimiento de 4,4 años (15 meses - 11 años) fue 83 por ciento. La edad promedio fue 34 años (DS=14) (rango: 15-63a); 67 por ciento de sexo femenino. El tiempo promedio de síntomas previa a la cirugía fue de 7 años (DS=+- 0.82). La clase funcional (CF) pre-operatoria fue: C.F I: 1 (1 por ciento), CF II: 16 (23 por ciento, CF III: 32 (46 por ciento) y CF IV: 21 (30 por ciento) y post-operatoria fue: CF I: 41 (59 por ciento), CF II: 21 (15 por ciento), CF III: 2 (3 por ciento) y 0 por ciento en CF IV. Las lesiones valvulares fueron: 51 por ciento (36 pac.) EM, 27 por ciento (19 pac.) DLM I 16 por ciento (11 pac.) LM-Ao, 4 por ciento (3 pac.) IAo, 2 por ciento (1 pac.) EAo. Se encontró evidencia de FRa en 7 de 51 especímenes patológicos evaluados. Sólo uno de estos casos presentó evidencia clínica de FRa. Además dilatación aurícular izquierda 31 (44 por ciento), fibrilación auricular 37 (53 por ciento) y tromboembolismo cerebral 16 (23 por ciento). Se implantan 67 prótesis (8 bioprótesis); 56 mitrales, 11 aórticas, 10 comisurotomías mitrales. Cinco pacientes doble prótesis mitro-aórtica. Dos pac. con reestrenosis mitral post-comisurotomía tuvieron necesidad de reempalzo valvular...

Thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and growth hormone response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone in treated children with congenital hypothyroidism.

The purpose of the present study was to assess thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, and growth hormone responses to TRH stimulation in 12 congenitally hypothyroid children adequately treated with L-thyroxine from the first weeks of life. Although clinically euthyroid, six of these children were found to have abnormally high basal serum TSH concentrations despite clinical euthyroidism. Serum triiodothyroxine and L-thyroxine concentrations were normal and did not differ whether the children had elevated or normal basal serum TSH. All six of the children with high basal TSH had an exaggerated TSH response to TRH and 4 of them also had an augmented prolactin response to TRH. The children with normal basal TSH concentrations had normal TSH and prolactin responses to TRH. An abnormal ("paradoxical") elevation of growth hormone concentration in response to TRH was found in four of seven children in a separate group of patients who had prolonged, untreated primary hypothyroidism, but such responses were not found in any of the adequately treated children. These findings suggest the following conclusions: 1) the phenomenon of high serum concentrations of TSH in conjunction with normal L-thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels (and clinical euthyroidism), is prevalent in congenital hypothyroid patients. 2) These patients have an exaggerated response of their pituitary thyrotroph and lactotroph cells to TRH, presumably caused by selective and relative resistance of these cells to the inhibitory effects of thyroid hormones. 3) Congenital hypothyroidism is not associated with abnormal somatotroph cell responses to TRH.

Screening for neonatal hypothyroidism in Israel during a 4-year period.

The neonatal hypothyroidism (NH) screening program in Israel was initiated in May 1978, and by the end of April 1984, 538,565 infants had been screened. One hundred sixty-six newborns were found to have NH; 7 of these exhibited only transient hypothyroidism. During the screening period the average age for initiation of treatment decreased from 6 to 4.8 weeks. A thyroid scan was performed on 51 of the neonates with NH; 41% had agenesis of the thyroid, 24% ectopic thyroid tissue, 29% dyshormonogenesis, and 6% secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism. This high incidence of dyshormonogenesis in Israel is probably due to a high rate of consanguinity among the Arab population and also within some of the Jewish ethnic groups. No blood sample was received from four infants with NH, and one infant with NH was not notified. This study indicates that a neonatal screening program can effectively detect infants with NH, resulting in earlier treatment.