Frequently asked question: What symptoms do newborns with CH have?

Most newborns (80%) with CH have very few or no symptoms at all. However, the following symptoms and complaints may occur:
  • Behavior: sleepy and groggy, does not react adequately to stimuli, a hoarse, low cry or a soundless cry.
  • Skin: jaundice (yellowish in color), often chronically dry, cold skin.
  • Head-throat: enlarged fontanelles, wide and low nose bridge, swelling around the eyes, large tongue, palpable swelling in the throat.
  • Abdomen: large, rounded belly, clearly visible blood vessels, naval hernia.
  • Stomach-intestinal tract: feeding problems (poor drinking, frequent vomiting), constipation.
  • Muscle tone: reduced muscle tone, feels limp.
  • Bodily functions: slow heart rate, low temperature.
In addition to these, newborns with CH due to hypothalamus or pituitary problems may also have the following symptoms or features:
  • Blood sugar level too low (hypoglycemia).
  • In boys: penis too small and undescended testicles.

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