Prevalence of pregnancy and postpartum thyroid dysfunction in a homogeneous population of Spain

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of pregnancy and postpartum thyroid dysfunction in the Spanish population, 691 women divided into six cohorts were studied. Biochemical hypothyroidism was observed in 9.4%, 4.4%, 1.9%, 4.6% and 4.8% at the first trimester of pregnancy, at delivery and at the second, fourth and sixth to twelfth postpartum months, respectively. Biochemical hyperthyroidism was observed in 6.7%, 0.8%, 1.9%, 4.6% and 2.4% in the same cohorts of subjects.

Thyroiditis was observed in 4%, 0%, 0.6%, 6.2% and 7.3% in the cohorts studied. No depression or psychological alterations were detected either in pregnancy or in the postpartum period.

Our data suggest that if screening for thyroid dysfunction is to be recommended in the postpartum period, this must be based on biochemical parameters.

Key Words:

• Thyroid Disease
• Thyroiditis
• Postpartum
• Thyroid Dysfunction

Additional information

Notes on contributors

F. F. Casanueva

Joyce Laing works in the Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Playfield House, Cupar, Fife, and is a Consultant Art Therapist to Psychiatric Hospitals and Prisons and Chairwoman of the Scottish Society of Art and Psychology.