Interventions for preventing and treating hyperthyroidism in pregnancy

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#female #humans #hyperthyroidism #pregnancy #pregnancy-complications

Interventions for preventing and treating hyperthyroidism in pregnancy

Earl et al., 2010 | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review

Citation

Earl Rachel, Crowther Caroline A, Middleton Philippa. Interventions for preventing and treating hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010-Sep-08(9):CD008633. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008633.pub2

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Women with hyperthyroidism in pregnancy have increased risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction; and they can develop severe pre-eclampsia or placental abruption. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of interventions for preventing or treating hyperthyroidism in pregnant women. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (28 July 2010). SELECTION CRITERIA: We intended to include randomised controlled trials comparing antithyroid treatments in pregnant women with hyperthyroidism. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors would have assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: No trials were located. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: As we did not identify any eligible trials, we are unable to comment on implications for practice, although early identification of hyperthyroidism before pregnancy may allow a woman to choose radioactive iodine therapy or surgery before planning to have a child. Designing and conducting a trial of antithyroid drugs for pregnant women with hyperthyroidism presents formidable challenges. Not only is hyperthyroidism a relatively rare condition, both of the two main drugs used have potential for harm, one for the mother and the other for the child. More observational research is required about the potential harms of methimazole in early pregnancy and about the potential liver damage from propylthiouracil.

Key Findings

No trials were located. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: As we did not identify any eligible trials, we are unable to comment on implications for practice, although early identification of hyperthyroidism before pregnancy may allow a woman to choose radioactive iodine therapy or surgery before planning to have a child. Designing and conducting a trial of antithyroid drugs for pregnant women with hyperthyroidism presents formidable challenges. Not only is hyperthyroidism a relatively rare condition, both of

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population pregnant women
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: iodine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09