Gestational hypothyroxinemia and offspring autism / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ABSTRACT

Hypothyroxinemia is a common subclinical thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women. Epidemiological studies have shown that the offspring of maternal hypothyroxinemia have a significantly increased risk of autism, but mechanisms remain unclear. Studies from clinical and animals suggest that thyroid hormone deficiency may lead to irreversible damage to brain development, which may contribute to autism. This review explores the clinical evidence of gestational hypothyroxinemia and autism in offspring and the underlying mechanisms that promote the development and progression of autism. It also emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease in pregnancy for the prevention of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in offspring.