[jennydq]

#1059139

Has anyone heard of fetal graves disease? I’m 33 weeks pregnant an the NICU doctors at the hospital I plan on delivering at said my baby would have to be taken to the NICU regardless of fetal age to checked for this condition. I was diagnosed and treated with radioactive iodine in 2008 but they said that even if treated mothers still make the graves antibodies that can cross the placenta and of course there isn’t much information out there on this. I was just courious if anyone had number odds of this happening and if anyone else has had a child with this condition?

Thanks guys

Jennifer

[snelsen]

#1172465

I’d try go get more information from the neonatologist, so you know the whole scenario a little better. It sounds like a good precautionary measure, going to the NICU. It is my understanding that, in this country, all babies are tested for neonatal hypothyroidism. The medline reference says it is determined by each state. That was a surprise to me.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001193.htm

It sounds like you are having very good care, and your sweet baby will have all the right tests.
Here’s another discussion of the new guidelines for this subject from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/117/6/2290.abstract

I encourage you to get a really good understanding, so you feel secure and reassured, not worried It sounds like you and your baby are getting very good care.
shirley

[Bobbi]

#1172467

Sometimes, mothers who have had Graves’-induced hyperthyroidism, deliver babies that are hyperthyroid temporarily. The antibodies that cause the thyroid to over-produce hormone can pass through the placenta into the baby, causing the baby’s thyroid to over-produce hormone. Since this is due to the mother’s antibodies, and not the baby’s own antibodies, the condition is usually short-lived. But the babies do need special treatment. It sounds like your doctors on top of the situation, and preparing for that (albeit unlikely) eventuality.

[Kimberly]

#1172466

Hi Jennifer – Have your doctors tested your own antibody levels? The latest guidance from the American Thyroid Association is to test antibodies (TRAb) for all pregnant women with a history of Graves’ (regardless of treatment option), with a referral to a maternal-fetal specialist if levels are too far out of range. You can read the full guidance here. The section on antibody testing is on page 1095 of the original journal article (page 15 of the PDF document).

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following links, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://thyroidguidelines.net/sites/thyroidguidelines.net/files/file/thy.2011.0087.pdf

This is a fairly rare occurrence (affecting 1-5% of pregnancies, according to the ATA), but it is something to be aware of.

Wishing you all the best!

[Author]

Posts