scholarly journals Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Women Planning Conception and During Pregnancy: Who Should Be Treated and How?

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 533-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Spyridoula Maraka ◽  
Naykky M Singh Ospina ◽  
George Mastorakos ◽  
Derek T O’Keeffe

Abstract Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), a mild form of hypothyroidism defined as elevated TSH with normal free thyroxine levels, is a common diagnosis among women of reproductive age. In some, but not all, studies, it has been associated with infertility, an increased risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, and possibly with an increased risk of neurocognitive deficits in offspring. Despite well-established recommendations on treatment of overt hypothyroid pregnant women, a consensus has not yet been reached on whether to treat women with SCH. This review focuses on examining the evidence informing the clinical strategy for using levothyroxine (LT4) in women with SCH during pregnancy and those who are planning conception. A crucial first step is to accurately diagnose SCH using the appropriate population-based reference range. For pregnant women, if this is unavailable, the recommended TSH upper normal limit cutoff is 4.0 mIU/L. There is evidence supporting a decreased risk for pregnancy loss and preterm delivery for pregnant women with TSH > 4.0 mIU/L receiving LT4 therapy. LT4 treatment has been associated with better reproductive outcomes in women with SCH undergoing artificial reproductive techniques, but not in those who are attempting natural conception. Thyroid function tests need to be repeated throughout pregnancy to monitor LT4 therapy. In addition to potential harms, LT4 contributes to treatment burden. During a consultation, clinicians and patients should engage in a careful consideration of the current evidence in the context of the patients’ values and preferences to determine whether LT4 therapy initiation is the best next step.

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikos F. Vlahos ◽  
Theodoros D. Theodoridis ◽  
George A. Partsinevelos

Among uterine structural abnormalities, myomas and adenomyosis represent two distinct, though frequently coexistent entities, with a remarkable prevalence in women of reproductive age. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain the impact of each of them on reproductive outcome. In respect to myomas, current evidence implies that submucosal ones have an adverse effect on conception and early pregnancy. A similar effect yet is not quite clear and has been suggested for intramural myomas. Still, it seems reasonable that intramural myomas greater than 4 cm in diameter may negatively impair reproductive outcome. On the contrary, subserosal myomas do not seem to have a significant impact, if any, on reproduction. The presence of submucosal and/or large intramural myomas has also been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. In particular increased risk for miscarriage, fetal malpresentation, placenta previa, preterm birth, placenta abruption, postpartum hemorrhage, and cesarean section has been reported. With regard to adenomyosis, besides the tentative coexistence of adenomyosis and infertility, to date a causal relationship among these conditions has not been fully confirmed. Preterm birth and preterm premature rupture of membranes, uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony, and ectopic pregnancy have all been reported in association with adenomyosis. Further research on the impact of adenomyosis on reproductive outcome is welcome.


Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 90
Author(s):  
Malene Risager Lykke ◽  
Naja Becher ◽  
Thor Haahr ◽  
Ebbe Boedtkjer ◽  
Jørgen Skov Jensen ◽  
...  

Introduction: Healthy women of reproductive age have a vaginal pH around 4.5, whereas little is known about pH in the upper genital tract. A shift in the vaginal microbiota may result in an elevated pH in the upper genital tract. This might contribute to decreased fertility and increased risk of preterm birth. Therefore, we aimed to measure pH in different compartments of the female genital tract in both nonpregnant and pregnant women, stratifying into a normal and abnormal vaginal microbiota. Material and methods: In this descriptive study, we included 6 nonpregnant, 12 early-pregnant, and 8 term-pregnant women. A pH gradient was recorded with a flexible pH probe. An abnormal vaginal microbiota was diagnosed by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique for Atopobium vaginae; Sneathia sanguinegens; Leptotrichia amnionii; bacterial vaginosis-associated bacterium 1, 2, 3, and TM7; and Prevotella spp. among others. Results: In all participants we found the pH gradient in the lower reproductive canal to be most acidic in the lower vagina and most alkaline in the upper uterine cavity. Women with an abnormal vaginal microbiota had an increased pH in the lower vagina compared to the other groups. Conclusions: There is a pronounced pH gradient within the female genital tract. This gradient is not disrupted in women with an abnormal vaginal microbiota.


2021 ◽  
pp. 15-16
Author(s):  
Kumari Ragini ◽  
Kumar Sourav ◽  
Lata Shukla Diwedi ◽  
Debarshi Jana

Introduction: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common disorder occurring in reproductive age group females. It can be understood as bleeding that occurs from the uterus outside the normal parameters and there is no structural defects in the genital tract. One of the most common association with AUB is thyroid dysfunctions. Hence this study aimed to see the incidence of thyroid related disorders in AUB and also to assess the menstrual pattern. Material and Methods: 100 women suffering from AUB who presented to OPD of Obstetrics and Gynecology department of Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital, Gaya, Bihar were recruited in the study. All females in 19 to 45 years of age group with abnormal uterine bleeding were included excluding those with previously known thyroid disorder, abortion history within 3 months etc. Thyroid function tests were done in all along with ultrasonography of pelvis region. Statistical analysis done. Results: The bleeding abnormality that was found in the most of the women was heavy menstrual bleeding. Women who presented with thyroid dysfunction were 33%. 23% had subclinical hypothyroidism, 6% had hypothyroidism and 4% had hyperthyroidism. Conclusion: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding has strong association with thyroid disorders. Most common type of disorder is subclinical hypothyroidism. Thus all patient of AUB must be evaluated for thyroid dysfunction


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 204201882094585
Author(s):  
Samantha Anandappa ◽  
Mamta Joshi ◽  
Lukasz Polanski ◽  
Paul V. Carroll

Disorders of thyroid function are common in pregnancy and have implications for foetal and maternal health. Thyroid autoimmunity, as evidenced by the presence of elevated levels of anti-thyroid antibodies (anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies) is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, though the mechanism remains poorly understood. There has been considerable focus on the implications and optimal management of pregnant women with thyroid disease, especially those undergoing assisted reproduction. Pregnancy results in significant changes in thyroid physiology and these need to be understood by clinicians involved in the care of pregnant women. Guidelines for the use of thyroxine and target thyroid function tests have been produced by international bodies but it is recognised that these predominantly reflect expert opinion rather than established evidence-based practice. Importantly a number of key clinical trials have been performed to aid understanding, particularly of the consequences of hypothyroidism for mother and baby, and the effectiveness of thyroid hormone use in autoimmune and subclinical hypothyroidism. This review summarises the current knowledge base and guidance for practice relating to thyroid disorders in pregnancy and subfertility.


Author(s):  
Bilal Ur Rehman ◽  
Hiba Gull

Background: In pregnancy, subclinical hypothyroidism is more common than overt hypothyroidism, ranging from 15% to 28% in Iodine sufficient region. Evidence suggests that subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnant women and adverse pregnancy outcome.Methods: This hospital based prospective comparative study was conducted over a period of 6 months from 1st July 2018 to 31st December 2018 in department of obstetrics and gynecology SKIMS Soura Kashmir. All the subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and who consented to participate were screened for subclinical hypothyroidism.Results: A total of 175 pregnant women participated in the study and subclinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 25 pregnant women (14.2%). Most of our patients were in age group 21 to 30 years (69.1%). Pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism had significant risk of preeclampsia (35%) and higher cesarean section rate (29.6%). Neonate of women with subclinical hypothyroidism had higher incidence poor Apgar score, NICU admission.Conclusions: The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is high in pregnant women and the gravity of the complications like pre-eclampsia, neonate with low Apgar score, increased NICU admission, overweight the cost of screening. In this view, we propose screening of all pregnant women in the first trimester for diagnosis.


2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 60-66
Author(s):  
Pavel P Yakovlev ◽  
Igor Yu Kogan

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Patients with PCOS present with several endometrial abnormalities possibly explaining some of the adverse endometrium-related outcomes in these women. PCOS is inconsistently associated adverse pregnancy outcomes and an increased risk of endometrial cancer. The purpose of this review is to systematize the available data on endometrial dysfunction associated with PCOS. (For citation: Yakovlev PP, Kogan IYu. Endometrium and polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of Obstetrics and Women’s Diseases. 2018;67(4):60-66. doi: 10.17816/JOWD67460-66).


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebru Celik ◽  
Gulin Ozcan ◽  
Cansel Vatansever ◽  
Erxiati Paerhati ◽  
Mert Ahmet Kuskucu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The maintenance of vaginal microbiota is an important factor to achieve ideal pregnancy outcomes. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been shown to have potential adverse effects on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Pregnancy itself is a risk factor for the severity of COVID-19, with an increased risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, maternal morbidity, and mortality. the role of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in vaginal microbiome composition in pregnant women with COVID-19 has not yet been investigated. Therefore, we anticipate that COVID-19 may unfavorably affect the composition of the vaginal microbiota, resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to describe the alterations of the composition of vaginal microbiota in pregnant women with COVID-19.Results: A prospective case-control study was conducted among 19 pregnant women with COVID-19 and 28 healthy controls matched according to the gestational week and age. The vaginal swabs were collected during the active phase of infection and consecutively, within a month after recovering from infection. In three patients, longitudinal samples before, in the course, and after infection were also obtained. The microbiome alterations were examined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We indicated that COVID-19 was associated with vaginal dysbiosis during pregnancy, which was indicated by an increased alpha diversity index. There was a significantly decrease in Firmicutes (P=0.007) and Lactobacillus (P=0.019) with an increase in Bacteroidetes (P=0.024) in the COVID-19 group. In the moderate/severe group, increased amounts of Ureaplasma and vanishing of Lactobacillus gasseri were found in women, compared to the asymptomatic or mild group (P=0.001). In longitudinal analysis, elevation of Actinobacteria with reduction of Firmicutes and Bacteroides were indicated during the active phase. Conclusions: The study revealed vaginal dysbiosis with a low abundance of Lactobacillus and an increase in Bacteroidetes in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vaginal dysbiosis in COVID-19 could be a contributing factor in pregnancy adverse outcomes. Trial registration: clinicaltrials, Registered 15 November 2019, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04165252?cond=microbiota&cntry=TR&draw=3&rank=12


Author(s):  
Michele L. Okun

Pregnant women experience a greater degree of sleep disturbance than their non-pregnant counterparts. Complaints range from sleep maintenance issues to excessive daytime sleepiness. Emerging evidence suggests that there is variability in sleep patterns and complaints which manifest differently among pregnant women. Moreover, it is well accepted that sleep disturbance can dysregulate normal immune and endocrine processes that are critically important to the health and progression of gestation. A possible consequence of sleep disturbance is an increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Then again, many endogenous and exogenous factors, including pregnancy-related physiological, hormonal, and anatomic changes, as well as lifestyle changes, can impact the degree and chronicity of sleep disturbance. Alas, there is still much to learn in terms of what women can/should expect with regard to the timing, degree, frequency, and/or severity of a specific pregnancy-related sleep disturbance(s), despite the number of published studies evaluating what sleep during pregnancy encompasses.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 884-895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Funanani Mashau ◽  
Esper Jacobeth Ncube ◽  
Kuku Voyi

Abstract The current study aimed to determine the association between trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes among third-trimester pregnant women who were exposed to chlorinated drinking water. A total of 205 pregnant women who participated in the disinfection by-products exposure and adverse pregnancy outcome study in South Africa were randomly asked to participate in this study by providing their morning urine sample voids. Samples were analysed for urinary creatinine and TCAA. Furthermore, participants gave individual data using a structured questionnaire. The mean (median) concentration of creatinine-adjusted urinary TCAA was 2.34 (1.95) μg/g creatinine. Elevated levels of creatinine-adjusted TCAA concentrations showed an increased risk of premature birth, small for gestational age (SGA) and low birth weight. There was no significant statistical correlation observed between creatinine-adjusted TCAA concentrations and the total volume of cold water ingested among the study population. No statistically significant association was observed between creatinine-adjusted urinary TCAA and premature birth, SGA and low birth weight newborns among the study subjects. However, the urinary TCAA concentrations identified in this study suggest potential health risks towards women and foetus. Therefore, further studies are warranted to prevent further adverse pregnancy outcomes.


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