Subclinical Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy: A Clinical Review.

ABSTRACT

Traditionally, overt hypothyroidism cases during pregnancy have been treated due to its adverse effect on fetus as well as on mother. Evidences are now available for the need of treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) during pregnancy. SCH is the commonest form of hypothyroidism in pregnancy and is usually due to progressive thyroid destruction due to autoimmune thyroid disease. The prevalence and incidence of SCH is found to be more in South Asia than other parts of the world. This review revealed that screening should be mandatory followed by identification of antithyroid antibody positive cases because they require treatment with oral levothyroxine.