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Transient subclinical hypothyroidism in early pregnancy
1Department of Internal Medicine (Section 1), Sapporo Medical College, Japan.
Endocrinologia Japonica
|June 1, 1990
Summary
A new clinical state, transient subclinical hypothyroidism, was identified in early pregnant women. This condition, often linked to Hashimoto
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Obstetrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy can impact maternal and fetal health.
- Early identification and characterization of thyroid dysfunction in gestational periods are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and characterize a novel clinical state of transient subclinical hypothyroidism in early pregnancy.
- To determine the incidence and clinical features of this transient condition.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 9,453 pregnant women in Sapporo.
- Detailed clinical evaluation, thyroid function tests (TSH, FT4), and antibody titers (antimicrosome, antithyroglobulin, TSH receptor) were performed.
- Echographical findings were assessed.
Main Results:
- Identified 12 cases (0.19%) of transient subclinical hypothyroidism in early gestation (8.5 +/- 2.4 weeks).
- Characterized by temporarily elevated TSH (11.7 +/- 6.3 microU/ml) with or without reduced FT4, normalizing by 17.9 +/- 7.1 weeks.
- Associated with positive thyroid autoantibodies and echographical findings suggestive of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but without subjective symptoms or subacute thyroiditis indicators.
Conclusions:
- Transient subclinical hypothyroidism is a newly documented clinical state in early pregnancy.
- The presence of thyroid autoantibodies suggests an underlying Hashimoto's thyroiditis, though the exact cause of the transient nature remains unclear.
- No adverse effects were observed in infants, and patients did not present with symptoms of subacute thyroiditis.