Neonatal hyperthyroidism in a premature infant born to a mother with Graves' disease

Background, - Neonatal thyrotoxicosis is most commonly due to transplacenta l transfer of maternal thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRA b). Bioassay of thyrotropin receptor antibodies may help to determine the r isk for neonatal hyperthyroidism. Case report, - Thyrotoxicosis developed in a premature infant born to a mot her with Graves' disease, with a low level of TRAb by bioassay. The infant was treated with carbimazole for two months, until TRAb had disappeared. Conclusion, - Bioassay TRAb is not always reliable for predicting the devel opment of neonatal hyperthyroidism in infants born to mothers with Graves' disease. Thyroid function should be measured in all these neonates. (C) 200 0 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.