The Role of Maternal TSH Receptor Blocking Antibody in the Etiology of Congenital Hypothyroidism in Isfahan

Abstract

Background: Considering the role of maternal TSH receptor blocking Ab (TRAb) in the etioligy of congenital hypothyroidism, the aim of this research was to determine its role among congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in Isfahan. Methods: In this case control study, neonates with CH and their mothers and a group of healthy neonates and their mothers selected as case and control group, respectively. Venous blood samples obtained for the measurement of TRAb. The TSH of mothers was measured also. The prevalence of positive TRAb and the level of TSH were compared between studied groups. Finding: 50 neonates with CH and their mothers and 150 healthy neonates and their mothers studied in case and control groups, respectively. The prevalence of positive TRAb in neonates with CH and their mothers were higher than control group (P < 0.05). There was significant relationship between the TRAb and occurrence of congenital hypothyroidism (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It seems that autoimmunity has an important role in the etiology of congenital hypothyroidism in Isfahan. In order to obtain more conclusive results in these field further studies to determine its role in the etiology of permanent and transient congenital hypothyroidism in accordance with studying other autoantibodies is recommended.

Keywords

• Congenital hypothyroidism
• TSH receptor blocking antibody
• Etiology