Women with Positive First Trimester Thyroid Disease Screening Results

Abstract

The objective of this study was to follow up women with positive results on routine antenatal screening for maternal thyroid disease. Between November 2009 and September 2015, women having a first trimester Down’s syndrome screening test were simultaneously screened for thyroid disease; those symptomatic or being investigated for thyroid problems were excluded. A blood sample was tested for anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies and serum thyroid stimulating hormone, and in the first half of the study also for free thyroxine. Women with at least one analyte outside the range were classified as positive and referred to an endocrinologist for counselling. Among 10,052 women that were screened, 1190 (11.8%) were positive. Follow-up information was sought and this was available on 818 referrals. No further action was recommended in 440 (54%) and after repeat testing in 108 (13%) a total of 204 (25%) were recommended to take thyroxine, one was referred for surgery and propylthiouracil was recommended for five. Screening in the Czech Republic identifies an estimated 3.1% of pregnant women with subclinical thyroid disease.

Keywords

Thyroid disease - Screening - Antenatal - Endocrinologist - Follow-up

Publication History

Received: 25 July 2019

Accepted: 09 September 2019

Article published online:
08 May 2023