Antithyroid drug-induced fetal goitrous hypothyroidism.

Abstract

Maternal overtreatment with antithyroid drugs can induce fetal goitrous hypothyroidism. This condition can have a critical effect on pregnancy outcome, as well as on fetal growth and neurological development. The purpose of this Review is to clarify if and how fetal goitrous hypothyroidism can be prevented, and how to react when prevention has failed. Understanding the importance of pregnancy-related changes in maternal thyroid status when treating a pregnant woman is crucial to preventing fetal goitrous hypothyroidism. Maternal levels of free T(4) are the most consistent indication of maternal and fetal thyroid status. In patients with fetal goitrous hypothyroidism, intra-amniotic levothyroxine injections improve fetal outcome. The best way to avoid maternal overtreatment with antithyroid drugs is to monitor closely the maternal thyroid status, especially estimates of free T(4) levels.

• Authors: Sofie Bliddal, Ase Krogh Rasmussen, Karin Sundberg, Vibeke Brocks, Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen
• Journal: Nature reviews. Endocrinology (Nat Rev Endocrinol) Vol. 7 Issue 7 Pg. 396-406 (Mar 15 2011) ISSN: 1759-5037 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21403664 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antithyroid Agents

Topics

• Animals
• Antithyroid Agents (adverse effects)
• Female
• Fetal Diseases (blood, chemically induced)
• Goiter (blood, chemically induced, drug therapy)
• Graves Disease (blood, chemically induced)
• Humans
• Hypothyroidism (blood, chemically induced, drug therapy)
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications (blood, chemically induced, drug therapy)