Overactive Thyroid in Babies

An overactive thyroid gland results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism, which is sometimes called Graves' disease. Overactive thyroid is not a common problem among children, but can be a life-threatening illness that a newborn contracts from the mother. According to healthofchildren.com, approximately 16 percent of babies who are born with hyperthyroidism die.

Causes

• An overactive thyroid results from the overproduction of thyroid hormones, called triiodothyronine (T3 ) and thyroxine (T4), which help to regulate the body's metabolism, or conversion of calories into energy. A mother who has hyperthyroidism may pass the thyroid disorder to her fetus. In such a case, the extra hormones travel through the placenta and into the unborn baby's thyroid gland.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of an overactive thyroid in babies vary. They include irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, slow weight gain, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, high blood pressure, nervousness and bulging eyes. Contact a doctor immediately upon detecting any of these symptoms in your baby.

Diagnosis

• Thyroid disease is checked for by the doctor after the baby is born. Hyperthyroidism is checked through a blood test in which T3 and T4 hormones are measured. Results will be evaluated with consideration of the parents' family medical histories.

Treatment

• Overactive thyroids are treated in babies with medication that stop the thyroid gland from producing excess T3 and T4 hormones. When hyperthyroidism is caught early, treatment usually cures it after a few weeks' time. Even so, the baby's thyroid gland will need to be monitored closely, as hyperthyroidism can reoccur within a year.

Warning

• A pregnant woman must have her thyroid gland monitored by a doctor, especially if she has a history of thyroid disease. Hyperthyroidism that travels to a fetus can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or stillbirth. If a newborn has hyperthyroidism and it is not treated, the baby can later develop mental retardation, hyperactivity, premature closure of skull bones and experience delayed growth. If a parent suspects hyperthyroidism in her baby, or that the baby's thyroid is not being treated properly, then she must contact a physician immediately. Hyperthyroidism can be fatal to a baby.