Most people hear about thyroid disorders among adults, but did you know children can have thyroid issues as well? The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It affects many of the body’s functions and organs and can impact growth, metabolism and sexual development. “Thyroid dysfunction is diagnosed when…
Hypopituitarism is when the pituitary gland, which is located in the brain, is underactive. Most frequently, it does not produce enough of the hormones needed for growth and development. This condition also can impact other functions of the endocrine system, including a child’s blood sugar and blood pressure. “Hypopituitarism can cause poor growth as well…
Sometimes known as a “PKU test,” a genetic screening for newborns actually checks for a wide range of genetic disorders. PKU, an abbreviation for phenylketonuria, is a rare inherited disorder that causes the phenylalanine amino acid to build up in the body and can lead to brain damage. It’s caused by a genetic defect that…
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 4.1 million newborns in the U. S. undergo newborn screening for congenital disorders each year. Of these, 4,000 infants are diagnosed with a condition. September is Newborn Screening Awareness Month –– did you know about this public health service in every U.S. state? Newborn screening identifies conditions that…