engleski

Ultrasonographic analysis of the thyroid gland during pregnancy

The aim of the study was to establish whether pregnancy causes ultrasonically detectable changes in the thyroid during pregnancy. This is especially interesting clinical feature due to fact that continental Croatia is an area with persisting endemic goiter and moderately low iodine intake. Thirty pregnant women (mean age 28.4 years), with no history of thyroid disease, were repeatedly examined by ultrasound during their pregnancy. Six of them were examined three times and 24 twice during the course of pregnancy. The size of the thyroid and it's echostructure were estimated. Results were compared within 4 groups (same patients; volumes devided according to pregnancy trimesters) and with the results of a control group (31 age-matched, non-pregnant, healthy female volunteers). The thyroid volume increased slightly through pregnancy trimesters, but remained within the normal range for age. The significant thyroid volume enlargement was observed in third pregnancy trimester in comparison with the first trimester (p<0,012) as well as in comparison with control group (p<0,05). Presented study supports the hypothesis that, during pregnancy, thyroid volume and thyroid function adapt according to physiologically increased demands for iodine and energy. Eventual goitrogenic effect of pregnancy could be prevented by increased iodine intake through diet reach in iodine or by thyroxin supplementation.

Ultrasonographic analysis of the thyroid gland during pregnancy

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