Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab.  2016 Sep;21(3):161-163. 10.6065/apem.2016.21.3.161.

A baby with congenital hypothyroidism born to a hypothyroid mother who expressed undiagnosed thyroid stimulation blocking antibody

• Kim MR
• Park HW
• Chung S

• KMID: 2366792
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.6065/apem.2016.21.3.161

Abstract

In adults, hypothyroidism caused by thyroid stimulation blocking antibody (TSB Ab) is rare, and confirmed cases are even fewer, as TSB Ab levels are rarely assayed. However, this may create problems in babies, as the transplacental passage of maternal TSB Ab can cause a rare type of hypothyroidism in the infant. Prompt levothyroxine replacement for the baby starting immediately after birth is important. We describe a congenital hypothyroid baby born to a hypothyroid mother who was not aware of the cause of her hypothyroid condition, which turned out to be associated with the expression of TSB Ab. This cause was confirmed in both the infant and mother using a series of thyroid function tests and measurements of autoantibody levels, including TSB Ab. During periodic follow-up, the TSB Ab and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody titers became negative in the baby at 8 months of age, but remained positive in the mother. Evaluation of hypothyroidism and its cause in mothers during pregnancy is important for both maternal and child health.

Keyword

Congenital hypothyroidism; Thyroid stimulation-blocking antibody; Placental circulation

MeSH Terms

Adult
Child Health
Congenital Hypothyroidism*
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Hypothyroidism
Infant
Mothers*
Parturition
Placental Circulation
Pregnancy
Receptors, Thyrotropin
Thyroid Function Tests
Thyroid Gland*
Thyroxine
Receptors, Thyrotropin
Thyroxine

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor titers of the mother and baby at various times after birth. Ab, antibody.

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