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
