The main treatment for CH is thyroid hormone replacement. It is safe and easy to take. If it is begun immediately after your child is diagnosed, treatment can prevent many or all of the effects of CH. If damage to the brain and nerves happens because treatment is delayed, it is usually permanent and cannot be reversed.
Medication L-thyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroid hormone (but its chemical structure is identical to that produced by the normal thyroid gland). This is given in tablet form to all babies with CH. Your doctor and endocrinologist will decide how much L-thyroxine your baby needs and how often. Your doctors will increase the amount of medication as your child grows. L-thyroxine needs to be taken on a daily basis through your child’s whole life. L-thyroxine tablets are small and can be crushed into food or dissolved into a small amount of formula, juice or other liquid. Do not dissolve them into a full bottle or glass of liquid because your baby may not finish the whole bottle and will not get the full dose of medicine. Young children can easily chew and swallow the pills. There is no approved liquid form of thyroid hormone.
It is important to give your child the correct amount of L-thyroxine. Giving your child more than he or she needs can cause body functions to speed up. Some of the signs that occur when a child takes too much L-thyroxine are:
Monitoring your child will need regular visits to the doctor to check his or her weight, height, development and overall health. Your child will also likely need regular blood tests to check the level of thyroid hormone. Blood tests are usually done every one to three months until age one, and then every two to four months until age three. They can usually be done less often after age three.
Developmental Evaluation Your doctor may suggest a formal evaluation of your child’s development. If your child show delays in certain areas of learning or speech, extra help can be arranged. Early intervention programs are available in most states to provide services to children before they reach school age.