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Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy

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Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy - A Guide to Clinical Management

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Abstract

Hypothyroidism in pregnancy remains an important endocrinological problem. The prevalence is on a rising trend. Hypothyroidism can be overt or subclinical. Overt hypothyroidism may either be detected as a new entity during screening or can complicate pregnancy in an already diagnosed hypothyroid patient. Overt hypothyroidism carries a significant risk of adverse foetal-maternal outcomes if not treated early. On the other hand, subclinical hypothyroidism remains a matter of debate, particularly at a lower range of TSH values. The foetal-maternal outcomes are inconsistent across studies, with miscarriage being the most reported adverse outcome. However, treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism requires an individualised approach and consideration of other factors, including autoimmunity. Thus, we describe the intricate relationship between pregnancy and hypothyroidism (both overt and subclinical) to facilitate a clear and concise, evidence-based outlook.

Authors’ Contributions: RK and VB have drafted the overt hypothyroidism in pregnancy, and AR has drafted the subclinical hypothyroidism part, respectively. All the authors have edited and approved the final manuscript.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Endocrinology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

    Ritesh Kumar

  2. Endocrinology and Metabolism, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalyani, West Bengal, India

    Ayan Roy

  3. Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Gorwa, Vadodara, India

    Vahid S. Bharmal

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  1. Ritesh Kumar
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  2. Ayan Roy
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  3. Vahid S. Bharmal
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, JIPMER, Puducherry, India

    Haritha Sagili

  2. Dept. of Endocrinology, JIPMER, Puducherry, India

    Jayaprakash Sahoo

  3. Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sri Venkateswaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Puducherry, India

    Swaramya Chandrasekaran

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Kumar, R., Roy, A., Bharmal, V.S. (2023). Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy. In: Sagili, H., Sahoo, J., Chandrasekaran, S. (eds) Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy - A Guide to Clinical Management. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-5423-0_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-5423-0_5

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