Maternal thyrotoxicosis causing central hypothyroidism in infants

J Paediatr Child Health. 2002 Apr;38(2):206-8. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1754.2002.00741.x.

Abstract

We describe three infants born to mothers with poorly controlled Graves' disease, who developed transient central hypothyroidism in the immediate postnatal period. Suppression of the fetal pituitary-thyroid axis may be due to placental transfer of thyroxine from the hyperthyroid mother. This may persist for months postnatally, necessitating treatment to optimise neurodevelopmental outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Congenital Hypothyroidism*
  • Female
  • Graves Disease / complications*
  • Graves Disease / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / diagnosis
  • Hypothyroidism / etiology
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Singapore