Postpartum thyroiditis: Difference between revisions
(Created page with "'''Postpartum thyroidits''' is a form of autoimmune subacute thyroiditis which affects postpartum women. It’s likely that postpastum thyroiditis is an accelerated form of Hashimoto thyroiditis which is triggered by the pregnancy, as 50% of cases were anti-TPO positive ahead of pregnancy. It occurs in 5 – 10% of deliveries. == Clinical features == It develops within 6 months after delivery. The goitre is painless. As in other cases of thyroiditis, there is an in...") |
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== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
Many (30-50%) develop permanent hypothyroidism. If not, there’s a 70% risk of relapse after the next pregnancy. | Many (30-50%) develop permanent hypothyroidism. If not, there’s a 70% risk of relapse after the next pregnancy. | ||
[[Category:Endocrinology]] | <noinclude>[[Category:Endocrinology]]</noinclude> |
Latest revision as of 21:42, 26 November 2023
Postpartum thyroidits is a form of autoimmune subacute thyroiditis which affects postpartum women. It’s likely that postpastum thyroiditis is an accelerated form of Hashimoto thyroiditis which is triggered by the pregnancy, as 50% of cases were anti-TPO positive ahead of pregnancy.
It occurs in 5 – 10% of deliveries.
Clinical features
It develops within 6 months after delivery. The goitre is painless. As in other cases of thyroiditis, there is an initial phase of thyrotoxicosis followed by a later phase of hypothyroidism.
Diagnosis and evaluation
Diagnosis is based on:
- Typical clinical features
- Ultrasound findings (inhomogenous, hypoechogenic thyroid)
- Normal leukocyte count
- Extremely high ESR
- Initial thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism
- Presence of anti-thyroid antibodies (anti-TPO, anti-Tg)
Radioactive iodine uptake test shows low iodine uptake, but this test is rarely indicated as it cannot be performed in a nursing patient.
Treatment
Treatment is supportive. In the thyrotoxic phase, beta blockers may be useful for symptomatic therapy, while in the hypothyroid phase thyroxine substitution is indicated.
Prognosis
Many (30-50%) develop permanent hypothyroidism. If not, there’s a 70% risk of relapse after the next pregnancy.