Propylthiouracil-Induced Neonatal Goiter: An Avoidable Problem

Keyur Saboo1, Rinkle R Gemnani1, Nishtha Manuja2

  • 1Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha, IND.

Cureus
|July 17, 2023
PubMed

We present a case of neonatal goiter caused by exposure to propylthiouracil (PTU) during pregnancy in this case report. The mother was treated with PTU while pregnant and had a history of Graves' illness. The baby had a neck tumor and was having breathing problems when they were first seen. A big thyroid gland was detected by a neck CT scan. This instance serves as a reminder of the significance of managing maternal thyroid problems appropriately during pregnancy as well as the requirement for careful thyroid function monitoring in newborns exposed to PTU. Given the possible hazards to the growing baby, it also calls into question whether PTU is an effective first-line treatment for maternal Graves' illness during pregnancy. This case report highlights the importance of shared decision-making with patients (by discussing different treatment options and their side effects).

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