Open AccessAbnormal Thyroid Function In Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Author(s) -
Shulman Adrian,
Shapiro Menahem S.,
Bahary Charles,
Shenkman Louis
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0412.1989.tb07833.x
Subject(s) - medicine , hyperemesis gravidarum , thyroid function , antithyroid drugs , thyroid , thyroid function tests , hormone , pregnancy , vomiting , endocrinology , graves' disease , gastroenterology , biology , genetics
Thyroid function was evaluated in 41 consecutive women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). In 11, increased free thyroxin concentrations (FT4) were measured. After one week of conservative therapy, 4 patients with persistent emesis were treated with antithyroid agents. Three of these 4 displayed other signs of hyperthyroidism. Emesis resolved in the other 7 patients within a week of conservative therapy. FT4 levels also returned to normal in these 7 patients within several weeks. Thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) was administered to 10 of the 11 patients. Abnormal TSH responses, suggesting varying degrees of autonomous thyroid function were noted in all 4 patients treated with antithyroid drugs and in 3 of the untreated patients. Underlying clinical signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism should be sought in patients with HG. In the presence of persistent emesis, despite conservative therapy of at least one week's duration and the presence of abnormal thyroid function studies, the use of antithyroid agents should be considered.