Severe Unsuspected Maternal Hypothyroidism Discovered after the Diagnosis of Thyrotropin Receptor-Blocking Antibody-Induced Congenital Hypothyroidism in the Neonate: Failure to Recognize and Implications to the Fetus

Abstract

TSHR-blocking Ab-induced CH should be suspected in any baby with CH irrespective of the known family history, especially if the hypothyroidism is severe and a eutopic thyroid gland is demonstrated on imaging. Measurement of TSHR Abs is necessary to establish the diagnosis; the presence of other thyroid Abs is insufficiently sensitive and may miss some cases.