Congenital Hypothyroidism: What Every Primary Care Provider Needs to Know

Internet Enduring Material Sponsored by: Stanford University School of Medicine

Presented by: The Department of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine

Course Description

Using a case-based approach, this CME activity will provide practical training on the management of congenital hypothyroidism. The course will address the initial diagnostic testing and initiation of treatment in infancy through childhood and adolescence.

The course will review the clinical signs of hypothyroidism, the initial work up, appropriate dosing and delivery of thyroid hormone replacement, the schedule of lab testing to monitor treatment and how to interpret results. The impact of congenital hypothyroidism on growth and development will be reviewed. Guidance on educating parents and patients to optimize adherence will be provided.

The course modules include short educational videos and role play videos of parent communication at each stage of diagnosis and management. Case-based testing and medication management scenarios provide the opportunity to assess your knowledge and learn from particular examples.

Who Should Enroll

This course is designed for pediatricians, family practice physicians, and primary care physicians.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Formulate a plan for the confirmatory retesting for congenital hypothyroidism.
• Prescribe and adjust treatment according to the American Academy of Pediatrics published guidelines (2006).
• Counsel and educate parents to address questions and concerns about congenital hypothyroidism and emphasize their responsibility in medication adherence.
• Interpret thyroid function tests.
• Distinguish which children warrant a trial off thyroid hormone replacement to determine if congenital hypothyroidism was transient.
• Monitor associated developmental challenges that affect children with congenital hypothyroidism.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Screen for Congenital Hypothyroidism?
3. Initial Diagnosis
4. Interpreting Results and Starting Treatment
5. Long Term Care of CH Patients
6. Course Wrap-up
7. Resources and References
8. Help!

Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, Stanford Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Credit Designation
American Medical Association (AMA)
Stanford Medicine designates this Enduring Material for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.