Indications for treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism and isolated hypothyroxinaemia in pregnancy. Issue 4 (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taylor, Peter N.; Muller, Ilaria; Nana, Melanie; Velasco, Ines; Lazarus, John H.
• Is Part Of: Best practice & research. Volume 34:Issue 4(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: subclinical hypothyroidism -- isolated hypothyroxinemia -- levothyroxine -- pregnancy -- screening; Endocrine glands -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Disorders -- Periodicals; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Periodicals; 616.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2020.101436
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1521-690X

Abstract

Abstract : Thyroid hormones are essential for maintaining a pregnancy and optimal fetal neurological development. Pregnancy places additional demands on the thyroid axis and around 5% of women who have their thyroid function checked during gestation will have borderline low thyroid function (subclinical hypothyroidism or isolated hypothyroxinemia) identified. These borderline low thyroid states are associated with adverse obstetric and offspring outcomes. Whilst it is well established that overt hypothyroidism requires treatment with levothyroxine, it is less clear whether there is any benefit of treating borderline low thyroid states. This review summarizes the potential indications for treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism and isolated hypothyroxinemia.