2004 where do we go from here?--Summary of working group discussions on thyroid function and gestational outcomes

A workshop entitled, "The Impact of Maternal Thyroid Diseases on the Developing Fetus: Implications for Diagnosis, Treatment, and Screening," was held in Atlanta, Georgia, January 12-13, 2004. This paper reports points of agreement among the attendees based on the scientific rigor of material presented. At the end of the workshop, participants were divided into four smaller groups to discuss and determine areas of agreement on issues associated with thyroid insufficiency, identify research needs and gaps, and recommend research strategies and policy needs. Discussion included: problems for the mother and the pregnancy; neuropsychological/developmental performance in offspring of women with thyroid deficiency; issues of diagnosis and treatment for the pregnant women with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism; the issues involved with screening women who are pregnant or who are planning pregnancy; and the status of Iodine Nutrition in the United States. The group then identified research needs and gaps. The results of these discussions are outlined in the paper with recommended research strategies and public health action.