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Condition

Neonatal Graves' Disease (Hyperthyroidism)

What You Need to Know

Neonatal Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease. With Graves' disease, antibodies cause the thyroid gland to make too much thyroid hormone. This is known as hyperthyroidism. A pregnant woman who had or has Graves' disease needs to tell her healthcare provider as soon as she knows she is pregnant. This is so the baby can be checked at birth and treated right away if needed.

Key Symptoms

Signs can occur a bit differently in each baby.

They can include:

  • Low birth weight
  • Small or abnormally shaped head
  • Poor weight gain (failure to thrive)
  • Enlarged liver and spleen
  • Swelling of the front of the neck due to large thyroid (goiter)
  • Fast heartbeat, which can lead to heart failure
  • Warm, moist skin
  • High blood pressure
  • Nervousness
  • Irritability
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Bulging eyes
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Trouble breathing if a goiter is pressing on the windpipe
 

Diagnosis

 

If not diagnosed shortly after birth, Graves' disease can be fatal to a newborn baby. 

Diagnosing Graves' disease could include:

  • Confirming the mother's history of Graves' disease 
  • The healthcare provider will ask about your baby’s signs and health history. 
  • They may also ask about the birth mother’s health history and do a physical exam. 
  • Your baby will likely also have a blood test to check the level of thyroid hormones, the level of autoantibodies and the level of a pituitary hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone. This hormone normally stimulates the thyroid.

Treatment

With treatment right away, babies usually recover fully within a few weeks. 


Treatment may include:

  • Medicine that blocks the production of thyroid hormones and treats rapid heart rate
  • Treatment for heart failure

Graves' disease may recur during the first 6 months to the first year of life.

Schedule an Appointment

Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs. Meet the providers who treat graves' disease and schedule an appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Graves' disease?

What causes Graves' disease in newborn babies?

Which children are at risk for Graves' disease?

What are the symptoms of Graves' disease in newborn babies?

How is Graves' disease diagnosed in newborn babies?

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What are possible complications of Graves' disease in newborn babies?

What can I do to prevent Graves' disease?

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When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

Departments that Treat Neonatal Graves' Disease (Hyperthyroidism)

    A young girl smiles in the waiting room of the Division Endocrinology and Diabetes.

    Endocrinology and Diabetes

    Ranked among the best in the U.S., our Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes offers pediatric care for endocrine conditions, including hormone health and diabetes management. Learn more about this department.