Initial counselling and management | Right Decisions

Right Decisions
SPEG (Scottish Paediatric Endocrine Group)
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Management of congenital hypothyroidism
Initial counselling and management

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Essential information to give at the initial visit

Thyroid hormone is vital for normal brain development and somatic growth.
The thyroid gland is either absent, too small or not producing thyroid hormone properly.
It is likely to be permanent, or there is insufficient evidence to determine whether or not it is permanent.
With treatment, it has a good prognosis.
Adherence to treatment is crucial, especially from birth to 3 years of age when the brain is developing most rapidly.
The treatment is easy to administer, but should be given with care.
Verbal and written instructions should be given on how to give medicines.

It is important to give the family written information about congenital hypothyroidism.
There are several excellent leaflets and booklets available (National Newborn Screening, British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED):