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Goiter in pregnant teenagers
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|July 15, 1985
Summary
Goiter, or thyroid gland enlargement, affects 6% of pregnant teenagers. This condition, including autoimmune thyroid disorders, requires careful evaluation during pregnancy due to potential risks for mother and infant.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Endocrinology
- Adolescent Medicine
Background:
- Thyroid gland enlargement (goiter) is common in adolescent girls.
- Previous research has not documented the frequency of goiter in pregnant teenagers.
- Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy can adversely affect maternal and infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of goiter among pregnant adolescents.
- To identify associated thyroid disorders in this population.
- To compare thyroid problem incidence in pregnant versus non-pregnant teenagers.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 309 pregnant adolescent patients (ages 11-19) receiving prenatal care.
- Physical examination to detect goiter.
- Diagnostic tests to identify specific thyroid disorders (e.g., autoimmune thyroiditis, Graves' disease).
- Comparison with a control group of 600 non-pregnant adolescents.
Main Results:
- Goiter was detected in 18 patients (6%).
- Twenty-eight percent of patients with goiter had autoimmune thyroid disorders.
- Black patients exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of thyroid disease compared to Mexican-American and white patients.
- Thyroid problem incidence did not significantly differ between pregnant and non-pregnant adolescents.
Conclusions:
- Goiter is present in 6% of pregnant adolescents.
- Autoimmune thyroid disorders are common among pregnant teenagers with goiter.
- Racial disparities in thyroid disease prevalence were observed.
- Pregnant adolescents with goiter warrant thorough thyroid function evaluation to ensure maternal and fetal well-being.
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