Multiple choice

Myasthenia gravis in the neonate is usually an autoimmune disorder is and is thought to be caused by

  1. an inherited genetic defect

  2. transplacental transfer of maternal IgG against the TSH receptor

  3. anti-idiotype to maternal IgG

  4. transplacental transfer of maternal IgG against the acetylcholine receptor

  5. maternal T-cells transferred across the placenta
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D Correct answer
Explanation

Transient neonatal autoimmune diseases are seen due to the transplacental transfer of maternal IgG autoantibodies in those diseases in which IgG is the effector component of the autoimmune response. The disease will be of the same type as seen in the mother because the autoantibodies will determine the target organ specificity. The neonatal disease resolves after a few weeks as the maternal IgG is catabolised.

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