This study provides an overview for the
epidemiological background of congenital
hypothyroidism in the UAE. It may be concluded that
the clinical picture of congenital hypothyroidism has
changed dramatically since newborn screening was
established in the UAE. A major factor that helped to
formulate population-based registers and linked-
databases which provide very useful information for
evaluating screening programmes, and extending
current knowledge of the epidemiology of congenital
hypothyroidism. This is the first epidemiological
study of CH in the UAE in which data from population-
based registries were linked to the epidemiologic
patterns and associated factors. The study
delineates the significantly increased incidence of
congenital hypothyroidism compared to the universal
incidence and the clear correlation of this incidence
with certain epidemiological factors. Some of these
are local which are specific and highlights a
peculiar epidemiological pattern of congenital
hypothyroidism in the Gulf/Middle East region.
epidemiological background of congenital
hypothyroidism in the UAE. It may be concluded that
the clinical picture of congenital hypothyroidism has
changed dramatically since newborn screening was
established in the UAE. A major factor that helped to
formulate population-based registers and linked-
databases which provide very useful information for
evaluating screening programmes, and extending
current knowledge of the epidemiology of congenital
hypothyroidism. This is the first epidemiological
study of CH in the UAE in which data from population-
based registries were linked to the epidemiologic
patterns and associated factors. The study
delineates the significantly increased incidence of
congenital hypothyroidism compared to the universal
incidence and the clear correlation of this incidence
with certain epidemiological factors. Some of these
are local which are specific and highlights a
peculiar epidemiological pattern of congenital
hypothyroidism in the Gulf/Middle East region.