Advanced Pediatrics Center organises First Annual Pediatric Endocrinology Meet

By 121 News

Chandigarh 20^th April:-The 1^st Annual Pediatric Endocrinology Update was organized by the Department of Pediatrics at the Advanced Pediatric Center, PGI, Chandigarh. The meeting was attended by nearly 100 delegates from all over the country. The resource persons included eminent endocrinologists including Dr. Murlidharan from Fortis, Dr. SK Mathur from Max Hospital, Dr. Leena Priyamada  from CMC Vellore  and  Dr. Amaresh Reddy from Medical College Nellore. The meeting was inaugurated by Prof. Sunit Singhi, Head of the Department of Pediatrics.

Dr. Devi Dayal, the organising secretary and pediatric endocrinologist from APC, PGIMER said that this meet was the first of its kind in India which focussed on the theme of Thyroid and Pituitary disorders in childhood. He said that the department plans to conduct such theme based meetings annually in the field of pediatric endocrinology and diabetes.

Dr Leena from CMC Vellore shared her experience related to newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism being followed in their hospital since 2001. The prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism in their cohort was found to be as high as 1 in 1200 which is much higher than the global prevalence of 1 in 3000-4000 newborns. The nationwide study conducted by ICMR also has reported similar prevalence.

Despite the higher prevalence in India as compared to other countries, this commonest but eminently treatable cause of mental retardation continues to await a credible universal screening program. A simple filter paper method for TSH assessment is a viable option for the 'universal screening' of newborns for congenital hypothyroidism in India.

There was an intense discussion on the national priority for a newborn screening program for hypothyroidism, which till now has remained a low priority for health planners in our country. There were lengthy deliberations on the causes and treatment of growth failure and short stature in children. The problem of short height in children can be effectively treated with the available therapies now.