[Thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women: clinical dilemmas]

Abstract

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are associated with maternal and neonatal pregnancy complications. Hypothyroidism should be treated with levothyroxine. Hyperthyroidism requires treatment with propylthiouracil or thiamazole. Subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroid auto-immunity are also associated with maternal and neonatal pregnancy complications. For both subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroid auto-immunity, treatment with levothyroxine has not yet been proven to be effective in preventing complications during pregnancy. For the Dutch population the following reference values for TSH levels during pregnancy may be used: 0.01-4.00 mU/l in the first and second trimesters. Reference values for the third trimester have not reported for this population, but are probably comparable with those of the second trimester.