Interventions for hyperthyroidism pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy

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#female #humans #hyperthyroidism #preconception-care #pregnancy

Interventions for hyperthyroidism pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy

Earl et al., 2013 | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review

Citation

Earl Rachel, Crowther Caroline A, Middleton Philippa. Interventions for hyperthyroidism pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-Nov-19;2013(11):CD008633. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008633.pub3

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 identify interventions used in the management of hyperthyroidism pre-pregnancy or during pregnancy and to ascertain the impact of these interventions on important maternal, fetal, neonatal and childhood outcomes. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30 September 2013). SELECTION CRITERIA: We planned to include randomised controlled trials, quasi-randomised controlled trials, and cluster-randomised trials comparing antithyroid interventions for hyperthyroidism pre-pregnancy or during pregnancy with another intervention or no intervention (placebo or no treatment). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors assessed trial eligibility and planned to assess trial quality and extract the data independently. MAIN RESULTS: No trials were included in the review. 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 interventions 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 included in the review. 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 interventions for pregnant women with hyperthyroidism presents formidable challenges. Not only is hyperthyroidism a relatively

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Preconception Care
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: iodine

Provenance

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