congenital hyperthyroidism

a syndrome caused by lack of THYROID hormone, which is present before birth. It is characterized by DWARFISM , mental retardation and coarseness of skin and hair. Early diagnosis and treatment with thyroid extract (thyroxine) are vital as this treatment greatly improves a child's intellectual and other abilities. In the UK, blood serum from newborn babies is tested for thyroxine level in order to detect this condition.