scholarly journals Pregnancy and Graves’ Disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anca Maria Panaitescu

Graves’ disease (GD) is one of the most common autoimmune conditions in women of reproductive age. The disorder is characterized by the presence of pathogenic immunoglobulins that bind the TSH receptors (TRAbs) and stimulate the production of thyroid hormones leading to hyperthyroidism (the occurrence of inhibiting or neutral antibodies being rare). Affected individuals can be treated by radioiodine therapy, surgical removal of the gland or by antithyroid drugs (ATDs). Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins may persist for years after medical treatment, radioiodine therapy or surgical removal of the gland in those affected by GD and during pregnancy can cross the placenta and can act on the fetal thyroid gland resulting in the development of fetal and neonatal hyperthyroidism and sometimes to goiter. Antithyroid drugs used during pregnancy can also cross the placenta and may be teratogenic and act on the fetal thyroid gland, leading to fetal and neonatal hypothyroidism and goiter. This chapter will discuss specific aspects of GD during pregnancy and postpartum focusing on fetal and neonatal consequences related to this disorder.

2014 ◽  
Vol 171 (4) ◽  
pp. 451-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliette Abeillon-du Payrat ◽  
Karim Chikh ◽  
Nadine Bossard ◽  
Patricia Bretones ◽  
Pascal Gaucherand ◽  
...  

ContextHyperthyroidism occurs in 1% of neonates born to mothers with active or past Graves' disease (GD). Current guidelines for the management of GD during pregnancy were based on studies conducted with first-generation thyroid-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) assays.ObjectiveThis retrospective study was conducted in order to specify the second-generation TBII threshold predictive of fetal and neonatal hyperthyroidism, and to identify other factors that may be helpful in predicting neonatal hyperthyroidism.MethodsWe included 47 neonates born in the Lyon area to 42 mothers harboring measurable levels of TBII during pregnancy. TBII measurements were carried out in all mothers; bioassays were carried out in 20 cases.ResultsNine neonates were born with hyperthyroidism, including five with severe hyperthyroidism requiring treatment. Three neonates were born with hypothyroidism. All hyperthyroid neonates were born to mothers with TBII levels >5 IU/l in the second trimester (sensitivity, 100% and specificity, 43%). No mother with TSH receptor-stimulating antibodies (TSAb measured by bioassay) below 400% gave birth to a hyperthyroid neonate. Among mothers of hyperthyroid neonates, who required antithyroid drugs during pregnancy, none could stop treatment before delivery. Analysis of TBII evolution showed six unexpected cases of increasing TBII values during pregnancy.ConclusionMaternal TBII value over 5 IU/l indicates a risk of neonatal hyperthyroidism. Among these mothers, a TSAb measurement contributes to identify more specifically those who require a close fetal thyroid ultrasound follow-up. These results should be confirmed in a larger series.


2005 ◽  
Vol 90 (11) ◽  
pp. 6093-6098 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominique Luton ◽  
Isabelle Le Gac ◽  
Edith Vuillard ◽  
Mireille Castanet ◽  
Jean Guibourdenche ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Fetuses from mothers with Graves’ disease may experience hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism due to transplacental transfer of antithyroid drugs (ATD) or anti-TSH receptor antibodies, respectively. Little is known about the fetal consequences. Early diagnosis is essential to successful management. We investigated a new approach to the fetal diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction and validated the usefulness of fetal thyroid ultrasonograms. Methods: Seventy-two mothers with past or present Graves’ disease and their fetuses were monitored monthly from 22 wk gestation. Fetal thyroid size and Doppler signals, and fetal bone maturation were determined on ultrasonograms, and thyroid function was evaluated at birth. Thyroid function and ATD dosage were monitored in the mothers. Results: The 31 fetuses whose mothers were anti-TSH receptor antibody negative and took no ATDs during late pregnancy had normal test results. Of the 41 other fetuses, 30 had normal test results at 32 wk, 29 were euthyroid at birth, and one had moderate hypothyroidism on cord blood tests. In the remaining 11 fetuses, goiter was visualized by ultrasonography at 32 wk, and fetal thyroid dysfunction was diagnosed and treated; there was one death, in a late referral, and 10 good outcomes with normal or slightly altered thyroid function at birth. The sensitivity and specificity of fetal thyroid ultrasound at 32 wk for the diagnosis of clinically relevant fetal thyroid dysfunction were 92 and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: In pregnant women with past or current Graves’ disease, ultrasonography of the fetal thyroid gland by an experienced ultrasonographer is an excellent diagnostic tool. This tool in conjunction with close teamwork among internists, endocrinologists, obstetricians, echographists, and pediatricians can ensure normal fetal thyroid function.


2003 ◽  
Vol 37 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 1100-1109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darcie D Streetman ◽  
Ujjaini Khanderia

OBJECTIVE: To review the etiology, diagnosis, and clinical presentation of Graves disease and provide an overview of the standard and adjunctive treatments. Specifically, antithyroid drugs, β-blockers, inorganic iodide, lithium, and radioactive iodine are discussed, focusing on current controversies. DATA SOURCES: Primary articles were identified through a MEDLINE search (1966–July 2000). Key word searches included β-blockers, Graves disease, inorganic iodide, lithium, methimazole, and propylthiouracil. Additional articles from these sources and endocrinology textbooks were also identified. We agreed to include articles that would highlight the most relevant points, as well as current areas of controversy. DATA SYNTHESIS: Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. The 3 main treatment options for patients with Graves hyperthyroidism include antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, and surgery. Although the antithyroid drugs propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (MMI) have similar efficacy, there are situations when 1 agent is preferred. MMI has a longer half-life than PTU, allowing once-daily dosing that can improve patient adherence to treatment. PTU has historically been the drug of choice for treating pregnant and breast-feeding women because of its limited transfer into the placenta and breast milk. Adjuvant therapies for Graves disease include β-blockers, inorganic iodide, and lithium. β-Blockers are used to decrease the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Inorganic iodide is primarily used to prepare patients for thyroid surgery because of its ability to decrease the vascularity of the thyroid gland. Lithium, which acts in a manner similar to iodine, is not routinely used due to its transient effect and the risk of potentially serious adverse effects. In the US, radioiodine therapy has become the preferred treatment for adults with Graves disease. It is easy to administer, safe, effective, and more affordable than long-term treatment with antithyroid drugs. Hypothyroidism is an inevitable consequence of radioiodine therapy. Radioiodine is contraindicated in pregnant women because it can damage the fetal thyroid gland, resulting in fetal hypothyroidism. Bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy, which was once the only treatment available, is now performed only in special circumstances. In addition to the normal risks associated with surgery, laryngeal nerve damage, hypoparathyroidism, and hypothyroidism can occur following that procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Despite extensive experience with medical management, controversy prevails regarding choosing among the various drugs for treatment of Graves disease. None of the treatment options, including antithyroid drugs, radioiodine, and surgery, is ideal. Each has risks and benefits, and selection should be tailored to the individual patient.


2004 ◽  
Vol 43 (06) ◽  
pp. 217-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Dressler ◽  
F. Grünwald ◽  
B. Leisner ◽  
E. Moser ◽  
Chr. Reiners ◽  
...  

SummaryThe version 3 of the guideline for radioiodine therapy for benign thyroid diseases presents first of all a revision of the version 2. The chapter indication for radioiodine therapy, surgical treatment or antithyroid drugs bases on an interdisciplinary consensus. The manifold criteria for decision making consider the entity of thyroid disease (autonomy, Graves’ disease, goitre, goitre recurrence), the thyroid volume, suspicion of malignancy, cystic nodules, risk of surgery and co-morbidity, history of subtotal thyroidectomy, persistent or recurrent thyrotoxicosis caused by Graves’ disease including known risk factors for relapse, compression of the trachea caused by goitre, requirement of direct therapeutic effect as well as the patient’s preference. Because often some of these criteria are relevant, the guideline offers the necessary flexibility for individual decisions. Further topics are patients’ preparation, counseling, dosage concepts, procedural details, results, side effects and follow-up care. The prophylactic use of glucocorticoids during radioiodine therapy in patients without preexisting ophthalmopathy as well as dosage and duration of glucocorticoid medication in patients with preexisting ophthalmopathy need to be clarified in further studies. The pragmatic recommendations for the combined use of radioiodine and glucocorticoids remained unchanged in the 3rd version.


2008 ◽  
Vol 47 (04) ◽  
pp. 153-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Weber ◽  
W. Eschner ◽  
F. Sudbrock ◽  
M. Schmidt ◽  
M. Dietlein ◽  
...  

SummaryAim: This study was performed to analyse the impact of the choice of antithyroid drugs (ATD) on the outcome of ablative radioiodine therapy (RIT) in patients with Graves' disease. Patients, material, methods: A total of 571 consecutive patients were observed for 12 months after RIT between July 2001 and June 2004. Inclusion criteria were the confirmed diagnosis of Graves' disease, compensation of hyperthyroidism and withdrawal of ATD two days before preliminary radioiodine-testing and RIT. The intended dose of 250 Gy was calculated from the results of the radioiodine test and the therapeutically achieved dose was measured by serial uptake measurements. The end-point measure was thyroid function 12 months after RIT; success was defined as elimination of hyperthyroidism. The pretreatment ATD was retrospectively correlated with the results achieved. Results: Relief from hyperthyroidism was achieved in 96 % of patients. 472 patients were treated with carbimazole or methimazole (CMI) and 61 with propylthiouracil (PTU). 38 patients had no thyrostatic drugs (ND) prior to RIT. The success rate was equal in all groups (CMI 451/472; PTU 61/61; ND 37/38; p=0.22). Conclusion: Thyrostatic treatment with PTU achieves excellent results in ablative RIT, using an accurate dosimetric approach with an achieved post-therapeutic dose of more than 200 Gy.


Author(s):  
Juliane Léger ◽  
Clemence Delcour ◽  
Jean-Claude Carel

Abstract Fetal and neonatal dysfunctions include rare serious disorders involving abnormal thyroid function during the second half of gestation, which may persist throughout life, as for most congenital thyroid disorders, or be transient, resolving in the first few weeks of life, as in autoimmune hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and some cases of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) with the thyroid gland in situ. Primary CH is diagnosed by neonatal screening, which has been implemented for 40 years in developed countries and should be introduced worldwide, as early treatment prevents irreversible neurodevelopmental delay.Central CH is a rarer entity occurring mostly in association with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies. Other rare disorders impair the action of thyroid hormones. Neonatal Grave’s disease (GD) results from the passage of thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb) across the placenta, from mother to fetus. It may affect the fetuses and neonates of mothers with a history of current or past GD, but hyperthyroidism develops only in those with high levels of stimulatory TRAb activity. The presence of antibodies predominantly blocking TSH receptors may result in transient hypothyroidism, possibly followed by neonatal hyperthyroidism, depending on the balance between the antibodies present. Antithyroid drugs taken by the mother cross the placenta, treating potential fetal hyperthyroidism,but they may also cause transient fetal and neonatal hypothyroidism. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to optimizing the child’s prognosis. This review focuses on the diagnosis and management of these patients during the fetal and neonatal periods. It includes the description of a case of fetal and neonatal autoimmune hyperthyroidism.


Thyroid ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ai Yoshihara ◽  
Kenji Iwaku ◽  
Jaeduk Yoshimura Noh ◽  
Natsuko Watanabe ◽  
Yo Kunii ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Sara Lomelino Pinheiro ◽  
Inês Damásio ◽  
Ana Figueiredo ◽  
Tiago Nunes da Silva ◽  
Valeriano Leite

Background. Mediastinal thyroid carcinoma is extremely rare, with few cases reported in the literature. Case Report. A 73-year-old man presented with weight loss for 6 months. Imaging by computed tomography (CT) documented a large mediastinal mass below the thyroid gland and pulmonary metastases. Neck ultrasound found two spongiform nodules in the right thyroid lobe, and fine-needle aspiration citology (FNAC) of these nodules revealed they are benign. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of the mediastinal mass was compatible with papillary thyroid cancer. A few weeks later, the patient developed overt hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease, which was treated with antithyroid drugs. 99mPertechnetate scintigraphy showed increased diffuse uptake in the thyroid parenchyma but the absence of uptake in the paratracheal mass and in the lung nodules. The patient was not considered eligible for surgical intervention or therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitor due to tracheal and mediastinal vessel invasion and was treated with palliative radiotherapy. Two months later, restaging PET-FDG showed an intense uptake in the right lobe of the thyroid gland, lymph nodes, lungs, bone, muscle, myocardial, kidney, and adrenal gland. Conclusion. In this case, thyroid carcinoma presented as a mediastinal mass with concurrent hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease. Although uncommon, the clinicians should be aware of these situations. Obtaining a prompt histological examination of an intrathoracic mass is crucial to ensure an early diagnosis and treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 729-737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsuya Mizokami ◽  
Katsuhiko Hamada ◽  
Tetsushi Maruta ◽  
Kiichiro Higashi ◽  
Junichi Tajiri

Objective: To investigate the long-term outcomes of radioiodine therapy (RIT) for juvenile Graves disease (GD) and the ultrasonographic changes of the thyroid gland. Methods: All of 117 juvenile patients (25 males and 92 females, aged 10 to 18 [median 16] years) who had undergone RIT for GD at our clinic between 1999 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Each RIT session was delivered on an outpatient basis. The maximum 131I dose per treatment was 13.0 mCi, and the total 131I dose per patient was 3.6 to 29.8 mCi (median, 13.0 mCi). 131I administration was performed once in 89 patients, twice in 26, and three times in 2 patients. Ultrasonography of the thyroid gland was regularly performed after RIT. The duration of follow-up after the initial RIT ranged from 4 to 226 (median 95) months. Results: At the latest follow-up more than 12 months after RIT (n = 111), the patients' thyroid functions were overt hypothyroidism (91%), subclinical hypothyroidism (2%), normal (5%), or subclinical hyperthyroidism (2%). New thyroid nodules were detected in 9 patients, 4 to 17 years after initial RIT. Patients with newly detected thyroid nodules underwent RIT with lower doses of 131I and had larger residual thyroid volumes than those without nodules. None of the patients were diagnosed with thyroid cancer or other malignancies during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Over a median follow-up period of 95 months (range, 4 to 226 months), RIT was found to be effective and safe in juvenile GD. However, cumulative evidence from further studies is required to confirm the long-term safety of RIT for juvenile GD. Abbreviations: ATD = antithyroid drug; GD = Graves disease; KI = potassium iodide; LT4 = levothyroxine; MMI = methimazole; PTU = propylthiouracil; RAIU = radio-active iodine uptake; RIT = radioiodine therapy; 99mTc = technetium-99m; TSH = thyrotropin


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 589-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahu Paketçi ◽  
Korcan Demir ◽  
Özlem Tüfekçi ◽  
Sezer Acar ◽  
Ayhan Abacı ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Similar autoimmune processes (defective T-cell function) take place during the pathogenesis of aplastic anemia (AA) and Graves’ disease (GD). Antithyroid drugs used for the management of GD may induce AA and GD may occur following treatment of severe aplastic anemia (SAA). Case presentation: Clinical and laboratory investigations were performed for an 11-year-and-2-month-old girl who was referred for bilateral exophthalmus and abnormal thyroid function tests. She had been diagnosed as having severe acquired AA at the age of 8 years and had been treated with allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from her healthy human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling donor. Clinical examination revealed a weight of 32.6 kg (−0.88 standard deviation [SD] score); height, 145.7 cm (−0.14 SD score); body mass index 15.5 kg/m2 (−1.01 SD score); heart rate, 110/min; blood pressure, 128/74 mmHg; bilateral exophthalmos and an enlarged thyroid gland. The laboratory workup showed hemoglobin of 11.1 g/dL; white blood cells, 7500/mL; platelets, 172,000/mL; free thyroxine (FT4), 4.80 ng/dL (normal, 0.5–1.51); free triiodothyronine (FT3), 17.7 pg/mL (normal, 2.5–3.9); thyrotropin (TSH), 0.015 mIU/mL (normal, 0.38–5.3); antithyroglobulin peroxidase (TPO) antibody, 61.7 IU/mL (normal, 0–9); antithyroglobulin (TG) antibody, <0.9 IU/mL (normal, 0–4) and thyrotropin (TSH) receptor antibodies 14 U/L (normal, 0–1). Doppler ultrasonography showed diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland and increased vascularity. She was treated with methimazole (0.6 mg/kg/day). L-thyroxine treatment was also needed (50 μg/day). Thrombocytopenia developed during follow-up. A thyroidectomy was performed for definitive treatment at the 14th month of treatment. Conclusions: The association of hyperthyroidism and AA in the pediatric age group is rare. The long-term use of antithyroid drugs and radioactive iodine should be avoided due to their hematologic toxic side effects.


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