Endocrine Abstracts

Hypothyroidism before and during pregnancy has been linked with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Observational studies have demonstrated that thyroid autoimmunity, characterised by the presence of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, is associated with increased risks of miscarriage and pre-term birth. Small trials indicated that levothyroxine therapy could reduce such adverse outcomes, but the evidence was inconclusive. The TABLET trial is a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-cont...

Low thyroid function in pregnancy is associated with adverse obstetric outcomes but it is unclear whether screening and initiation of levothyroxine during pregnancy is beneficial. The Controlled Antenatal Thyroid Study (CATS) was a randomised controlled trial which screened women for low thyroid function (subclinical hypothyroidism and isolated hypothyroxinemia) between 11 and 16 weeks gestation. CATS provides data on obstetric outcomes and offspring neurological development. ...

Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones that are required for brain development. Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can result in cognitive impairment and lower IQ in the offspring. However, the effects of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency on brain development and neurocognitive function are less well known, and this is important as mild-to-moderate deficiency is common in pregnancy in many European countries, including the UK. There are recommendations in...