Effects of autoimmune thyroiditis on pregnancy

  Thyroiditis is characterized by an inflammation of the thyroid gland that can be caused by a variety of etiologies such as radiation, trauma, microbial and environmental factors (e.g. iodine), especially autoimmune etiologies.  Thyroid autoimmune disorders can significantly affect the gestational period itself and the postpartum period, while pregnancy has a significant impact on the expression of thyroid autoimmune disorders.  The incidence of miscarriage is increased because the human fetus expresses a large number of histocompatibility antigens of paternal origin and maternal immune adaptation is impaired during gestation. There are multiple cell-mediated immune mechanisms involved.  However, more studies have shown that the presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies is associated with spontaneous miscarriage in women without habitual miscarriage. In women with habitual miscarriages (defined as three or more miscarriages), this relationship is uncertain.  In addition to the risk of miscarriage, 2 to 2.5% of pregnant women have elevated TSH levels. In contrast, the most common cause of elevated TSH levels in pregnant women in Western countries is autoimmune thyroiditis.  Hypothyroidism in pregnancy can lead to serious obstetric complications, with gestational hypertension being the most frequent and placental abruption, postpartum hemorrhage, stillbirth, low birth weight, and anemia being others. Moreover, maternal hypothyroidism is associated with neuropsychiatric developmental disorders in the offspring.  In view of the increased thyroxine requirements during pregnancy on demand, routine clinical and laboratory follow-up with regular measurement of TSH and free T4 concentrations is necessary. In contrast, women diagnosed with hyperthyroidism are treated with only antithyroid medication to keep fT4 at the high limit of normal or mildly elevated.  In addition, the occurrence of postpartum thyroiditis within the first year after delivery is also clearly associated with the presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies. The typical presentation is a period of hyperthyroidism followed by a period of hypothyroidism, followed by a return to normal. However, permanent hypothyroidism occurs in 12-61% of patients.  Therefore, the more commonly used treatment regimen is to maintain thyroxine replacement therapy and delay termination until the family asks for it to be stopped.