Severe hypothyroidism in pregnancy

Thyroid dysfunction is the second most common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy has been largely associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes, most importantly, with miscarriage, preterm delivery and reduced cognitive function in offspring. However data on severe hypothyroidism remain scarce.

Therefore, Hirsch et al conducted a retrospective study to determine the relative rate of severe thyroid dysfunction among pregnant women with hypothyroidism, identify related factors and analyse the impact of severe hypothyroidism on pregnancy outcomes.

The results of their study shows that abortions and premature deliveries occur infrequently in women with severe hypothyroidism. Intense follow-up and levothyroxine treatment may improve pregnancy outcomes even when target TSH levels are not reached.

Read the full article at Hirsch et al (2013) European Journal of Endocrinology 169; 313-320; DOI: 10.1530/EJE-13-0228.