Related Experiment Videos
Transient hyperthyroidism and hyperemesis gravidarum: clinical aspects.
T M Goodwin1, M Montoro, J H Mestman
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Southern California.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Biochemical hyperthyroidism is common in hyperemesis gravidarum, often resolving by 18 weeks. Patients with hyperthyroidism experienced more electrolyte and liver enzyme abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Endocrinology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
- Thyroid dysfunction has been anecdotally linked to HG, but its prevalence and clinical significance require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical presentation and course of hyperemesis gravidarum in relation to thyroid function.
- To determine if patients with biochemical hyperthyroidism present differently from euthyroid patients with HG.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 67 patients diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum.
- Assessment of thyroid function, including free thyroxine index and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels.
Main Results:
- Biochemical hyperthyroidism was identified in 66% of patients, characterized by elevated free thyroxine index or suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone.
- Hyperthyroid patients exhibited higher rates of abnormal electrolyte levels (59%) and elevated liver enzymes (59%) compared to euthyroid patients.
- The severity of hyperemesis correlated directly with the degree of hyperthyroidism.
Conclusions:
- Hyperthyroidism is a frequent and self-limiting condition associated with hyperemesis gravidarum.
- The underlying cause of hyperthyroidism may be intrinsically linked to the pathophysiology of hyperemesis itself.