Neonatal Graves' Disease

Abstract

Pathogenesis of the syndrome of neonatal goiter, hyperthyroidism and exophthalmos has been considered in regard to maternal-fetal transplacental passage of excessive thyroid hormone, thryotropin, antithyroid medications or iodides. These factors do not adequately explain the syndrome. In accord with McKenzie''s hypothesis that long acting thyroid stimulator (LATS) is transmitted from mother to fetus and is responsible for the findings, extremely high levels of LATS were found in both maternal and cord blood. The authors stress the importance of therapy of the hyperthyroid pregnant woman and an appreciation of the problems which may occur in the infant, either related or unrelated to therapy.