J Korean Med Assoc.  2018 Apr;61(4):253-258. 10.5124/jkma.2018.61.4.253.

Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy

• Yim CH

• KMID: 2409045
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2018.61.4.253

Abstract

Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy can result in serious complications for both the mother and infant. However, these complications can be prevented by the optimal treatment of overt maternal thyroid dysfunction. The serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration is the most reliable measure of thyroid function during pregnancy. Due to the physiologic changes in TSH levels during pregnancy, the correct interpretation of thyroid function requires knowledge of the gestational week and the appropriate population-based reference interval. In addition to a TSH test, the measurement of thyroid peroxidase antibody helps determine whether to treat subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Since the use of antithyroid drugs during pregnancy is associated with birth defects, it is recommended to discontinue the medication and to perform repeated thyroid function testing during the first trimester. If therapy is needed during the first trimester, propylthiouracil is preferred over methimazole.

Keyword

Pregnancy; Hyperthyroidism; Hypothyroidism

MeSH Terms

Antithyroid Agents
Congenital Abnormalities
Female
Humans
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Infant
Iodide Peroxidase
Methimazole
Mothers
Pregnancy Trimester, First
Pregnancy*
Propylthiouracil
Thyroid Function Tests
Thyroid Gland*
Thyrotropin
Antithyroid Agents
Iodide Peroxidase
Methimazole
Propylthiouracil
Thyrotropin