Value of combined clinical information and thyroid peroxidase antibodies in pregnancy for the prediction of postpartum thyroid dysfunction.

Problem: To investigate the utility of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) in early pregnancy combined with clinical information for prediction of postpartum thyroid dysfunction (PPTD) within 1 year postpartum.

Method Of Study: We studied 98 pregnant women by determining their TPOAb levels in early pregnancy, as well as their serum thyrotropin and free thyroid (fT4) levels at 6 and 12 months postpartum. Furthermore, they answered a questionnaire and physical examination was performed by only one examiner.

Prospective evaluation of pregnant women with hypothyroidism: implications for treatment.

Pregnancy is characterized by a series of maternal hormonal and metabolic changes which can affect thyroid function and the course of thyroid dysfunction in different ways. Moreover, hypothyroidism is also associated with obstetric complications and morbidity to the fetus. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of hypothyroidism during the course of pregnancy and the necessity of adjusting the dose of levothyroxine.

Influence of thyroid autoimmunity and maternal age on the risk of miscarriage.

Objectives: Recently, studies have shown an association between antiperoxidase for the detection of thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) and abortion. Another point to be considered is the association of high risk of abortion and maternal age. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if the association between TAI and miscarriage could also be verified whether a population of unselected pregnant young women who normally present a low risk of miscarriage.