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[Thyroid function disturbances in an infant following maternal topical use of polydine]
Insights
Povidone iodine (P) vaginal douching during pregnancy and postpartum can lead to transient thyroid dysfunction in newborns. Discontinuation of P use resulted in normalization of infant thyroid function.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal endocrinology
- Perinatal toxicology
Background:
- Maternal use of povidone-iodine (P) during pregnancy and postpartum is a potential source of infant exposure.
- Breast milk can transmit substances from mother to infant.
Observation:
- A male infant exposed to povidone-iodine (P) via maternal vaginal douching and breastfeeding exhibited transient sinus tachycardia.
- The infant presented with elevated blood total and free thyroxine (T4) levels.
Findings:
- Transient elevation of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels was observed in the infant.
- Despite transient thyroid function abnormalities, the infant showed no clinical signs of hypothyroidism.
- Infant thyroid function normalized two months after maternal cessation of P use.
Implications:
- Povidone-iodine (P) use should be avoided during the perinatal period due to potential risks to neonatal thyroid function.
- This case highlights the importance of evaluating maternal exposures in neonatal thyroid dysfunction.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the long-term effects, if any, of transient neonatal thyroid dysfunction.
Abstract:
A male infant who had symptoms of transient sinus tachycardia and increased concentrations of blood total and free T4 is reported. The mother had used Polydine (P; povidone iodine) for vaginal douching during pregnancy and during the first few weeks after delivery, during which time the infant was fed mother's milk only. Follow-up showed transient elevation of TSH levels in the infant, but with no signs of hypothyroidism. 2 months after the mother stopped using P, the infant's functions had become normal. P should not be used in the perinatal period.