What is a significant symptom of congenital hypothyroidism?

Congenital hypothyroidism typically presents with several significant symptoms, one of which is prolonged jaundice. This condition is characterized by a deficiency of thyroid hormone from birth, leading to various metabolic and developmental issues. In newborns, the lack of thyroid hormones can disrupt normal liver function, causing an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood that manifests as jaundice.

Prolonged jaundice in congenital hypothyroidism is particularly noteworthy because it can be one of the early indicators of the disorder. Newborns with this condition may also exhibit additional signs such as poor feeding, lethargy, hypotonia, and a decrease in growth rate. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications, such as intellectual disability and growth failure.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the hallmark symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism. Rapid growth is typically not associated with this condition, as infants often demonstrate poor growth rates. High fever does not relate to hypothyroidism and may suggest an infectious process instead. Frequent colds would indicate issues related to immune function, which is also not directly connected to congenital hypothyroidism. Thus, prolonged jaundice stands out as a key symptom indicative of this endocrine disorder in newborns.