Congenital familial transient hypothyroidism secondary to transplacental thyrotropin-blocking autoantibodies. 1987

G Francis, and W Riley

Three patients demonstrated transient neonatal hypothyroidism, presumably secondary to maternally derived thyrotropin (TSH)-blocking antibodies. Although transient, this disorder might not have been benign in the first child, who exhibited significant developmental delay. A thyroid scan was not helpful in making this diagnosis. Although uncommon, this disorder should be suspected in infants with a maternal history of autoimmune thyroid disease, multiple siblings with congenital hypothyroidism, or a clinical course characterized by continually suppressed TSH levels, despite low doses of levothyroxine sodium replacement. Measurement of TSH-blocking antibodies may be used in the diagnosis of transient neonatal hypothyroidism at birth and is becoming more readily available from reference laboratories. Once diagnosed, the patient may then be prepared for monitored withdrawal of levothyroxine replacement therapy at 2 to 3 years of age and will not be committed to lifelong replacement therapy.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007037 Hypothyroidism A syndrome that results from abnormally low secretion of THYROID HORMONES from the THYROID GLAND, leading to a decrease in BASAL METABOLIC RATE. In its most severe form, there is accumulation of MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES in the SKIN and EDEMA, known as MYXEDEMA. It may be primary or secondary due to other pituitary disease, or hypothalamic dysfunction. Central Hypothyroidism,Primary Hypothyroidism,Secondary Hypothyroidism,TSH Deficiency,Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Deficiency,Central Hypothyroidisms,Deficiency, TSH,Deficiency, Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone,Hormone Deficiency, Thyroid-Stimulating,Hypothyroidism, Central,Hypothyroidism, Primary,Hypothyroidism, Secondary,Hypothyroidisms,Primary Hypothyroidisms,Secondary Hypothyroidisms,TSH Deficiencies,Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Deficiency,Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Deficiencies
D007223 Infant A child between 1 and 23 months of age. Infants
D008431 Maternal-Fetal Exchange Exchange of substances between the maternal blood and the fetal blood at the PLACENTA via PLACENTAL CIRCULATION. The placental barrier excludes microbial or viral transmission. Transplacental Exposure,Exchange, Maternal-Fetal,Exposure, Transplacental,Maternal Fetal Exchange
D011247 Pregnancy The status during which female mammals carry their developing young (EMBRYOS or FETUSES) in utero before birth, beginning from FERTILIZATION to BIRTH. Gestation,Pregnancies
D002675 Child, Preschool A child between the ages of 2 and 5. Children, Preschool,Preschool Child,Preschool Children
D003409 Congenital Hypothyroidism A condition in infancy or early childhood due to an in-utero deficiency of THYROID HORMONES that can be caused by genetic or environmental factors, such as thyroid dysgenesis or HYPOTHYROIDISM in infants of mothers treated with THIOURACIL during pregnancy. Endemic cretinism is the result of iodine deficiency. Clinical symptoms include severe MENTAL RETARDATION, impaired skeletal development, short stature, and MYXEDEMA. Cretinism,Myxedema, Congenital,Endemic Cretinism,Fetal Iodine Deficiency Disorder,Cretinism, Endemic,Hypothyroidism, Congenital
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D001323 Autoantibodies Antibodies that react with self-antigens (AUTOANTIGENS) of the organism that produced them. Autoantibody
D001327 Autoimmune Diseases Disorders that are characterized by the production of antibodies that react with host tissues or immune effector cells that are autoreactive to endogenous peptides. Autoimmune Disease,Disease, Autoimmune,Diseases, Autoimmune

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