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Postpartum thyroid dysfunction in Bangkok: a geographical variation in the prevalence.
R Rajatanavin1, L O Chailurkit, K Tirarungsikul
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathiobodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
Acta Endocrinologica
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Postpartum thyroid dysfunction affected 1.1% of Thai women, lower than global rates. Autoantibodies were common, suggesting autoimmune thyroiditis as a cause, influenced by genetics and iodine intake.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Postpartum thyroid dysfunction (PTD) is a significant concern for maternal health.
- Prevalence and characteristics of PTD in Southeast Asian populations remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Thai postpartum women.
- To identify associated thyroid autoantibodies and pathological findings.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 812 Thai postpartum women at 1.5 months.
- Follow-up thyroid function tests for 570 women at 3.5 months.
- Assessment of thyroid autoantibodies and fine needle aspiration biopsy in selected cases.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of postpartum thyroid dysfunction was 1.1%, lower than in many other countries.
- Thyroid autoantibodies were present in 89% of affected women.
- Lymphocytic thyroiditis was confirmed via biopsy in patients with PTD.
Conclusions:
- Thai postpartum women exhibit a lower prevalence of thyroid dysfunction compared to global data.
- Autoimmune mechanisms, influenced by genetic and environmental factors like iodine intake, likely contribute to PTD.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific factors driving geographic variations in PTD prevalence.