Postpartum thyroiditis

Abstract

The special characteristics of postpartum thyroid syndromes are summarized in Table 8. Many of the cases will pass unnoticed, although a higher detection rate is to be expected if postpartum thyroid disease becomes better known among physicians and the general public. Screening in early pregnancy of women with a previous or family history of thyroid disease and in women with other autoimmune disorders (such as diabetes mellitus type 1) may be worthwhile. The initial manifestation of postpartum thyroiditis, often appearing during the first three months postpartum, is a thyrotoxic phase characterized by a low RAIU ('painless thyroiditis' or 'destruction-induced thyrotoxicosis'). Subsequently, a transient hypothyroid phase supervenes. In a small proportion of women hypothyroidism becomes permanent. After a subsequent pregnancy recurrence is the rule. Women who are genetically disposed to Graves' disease may experience thyrotoxicosis with a high RAIU usually appearing later than three months postpartum. As the thyroid function abnormalities are usually mild and transient it is often appropriate to withhold treatment. However, in women with pronounced symptoms treatment should be started. When the postpartum period has passed gradual withdrawal of treatment should be attempted. In women who have experienced postpartum thyroid dysfunction, the risk of developing permanent thyroid disease in later life seems important and therefore long-term follow-up is recommended.