skip to main content

Congenital hypothyroidism — MRCPCH FOP MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateNeonatologyCongenital hypothyroidismMRCPCH FOP

A 12-day-old baby has prolonged jaundice, constipation and poor feeding. The newborn blood spot screen reports raised TSH and low thyroxine. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Start levothyroxine urgently under specialist guidance

Raised TSH with low thyroxine on newborn screening indicates congenital hypothyroidism, and early levothyroxine prevents neurodevelopmental harm. Waiting for repeat testing would delay time-critical treatment. Carbimazole treats hyperthyroidism and is not appropriate. The pearl is that newborn screening is designed to identify treatable disease before signs become obvious.

Reference: UK Newborn Blood Spot Screening; BNFc levothyroxine