title: 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.affiliation: Department of Medical Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Sofie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bliddal
authors.forename: Ase Krogh
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Rasmussen
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sundberg
authors.forename: Vibeke
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Brocks
authors.forename: Ulla
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Feldt-Rasmussen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006042:Goiter / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D013956:Antithyroid Agents