ESPE Abstracts

Neonatal thyrotoxicosis is rare and most of the cases are secondary to maternal Graves’ disease. It is usually transient, but can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality if not recognized promptly and treated adequately. We report a case of a 20-day-old female infant who developed thyrotoxicosis with irritability, tachycardia, and relatively poor weight gain. She was born to a mother who took levothyroxine during pregnancy after undergoing a thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease, not controlled by antithyroid drugs. She was treated with methimazole, potassium iodide solution, propranolol and hydrocortisone. After 5month, she maintained euthyroid state without anti-thyroid drug. Neonates born to mothers treated with antithyroid drugs or those who receive maternal thyroid blocking antibodies may exhibit normal thyroid function or even hypothyroidism at birth. Since there may not be any obvious symptoms of hyperthyroidism at birth, it may be overlooked. Therefore, such neonates should be evaluated properly and monitored regularly to prevent serious complications of hyperthyroidism. We have also discussed the importance of careful examination and monitoring to prevent the development of clinical hyperthyroidism.