Hyperemesis gravidarum and thyrotoxicosis--a diagnostic and therapeutic problem

We report a case of hyperemesis gravidarum complicated by thyrotoxicosis which was managed conservatively during pregnancy. Problems of diagnosing mild thyrotoxicosis in pregnancy are discussed. Although no specific antithyroid therapy was given, the patient had an uneventful pregnancy after the first trimester. Neither she nor her baby exhibited any subsequent features of thyroid dysfunction. This suggests that treatment of thyrotoxicosis in early pregnancy is not always required because of the spontaneous improvement which is likely to occur as pregnancy progresses.