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Updated: May 22, 2026

Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
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Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia

Published on: August 24, 2011

Neonatal Hyperthyroidism: Case Report and Literature Review

Emily Sowa, Sharon Anderson

    MCN. the American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing
    |May 20, 2026
    PubMed

    Insights

    Neonatal hyperthyroidism, a severe condition, arises from maternal Graves disease antibodies crossing the placenta. Early antibody monitoring in pregnant patients and neonatal thyroid screening are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Neonatal Medicine
    • Obstetrics

    Background:

    • Fetal and neonatal hyperthyroidism are rare but severe conditions.
    • Caused by transplacental passage of thyrotropin receptor antibodies from mothers with Graves disease.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To present a case of neonatal thyrotoxicosis secondary to maternal Graves disease.
    • To review literature, clinical implications, and best practices for neonatal hyperthyroidism diagnosis and treatment.

    Main Methods:

    • Case report of a late preterm infant with thyrotoxicosis.
    • Comprehensive literature review on neonatal hyperthyroidism.

    Main Results:

    • The infant developed thyrotoxicosis due to maternal Graves disease.
    • Literature review identified key diagnostic and treatment strategies.

    Conclusions:

    • Importance of identifying the cause of hypothyroidism in pregnancy.
    • Need for antibody monitoring in pregnant patients with a history of Graves disease.
    • Essential to assess neonatal thyroid function shortly after birth for prompt intervention.

    Keywords:
    FetusGraves diseaseHyperthyroidismNewbornThyrotoxicosis

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