The impact of maternal thyroid deficiency on the neuropsychologic development of the fetus
- VernacularTitle:论母体甲状腺激素不足对胎儿神经智力发育的影响
- Author:
Weiping TENG
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Thyroid hormones;
Neuropsychologic development;
Embryo and fetal development
- From:
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
1985;0(02):-
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Recently, more and more attention have been paid to the impact of maternal thyroid hormones on neuropsychologic development of offspring. In the first 20 weeks of gestation, neuropsychologic development of the fetus is mostly dependent on thyroxine from the mother. Limited epidemiological data showed that full-scale WISC IQs averaged 7 points lower among children born to mothers with undiagnosed thyroid deficiency during pregnancy, in comparison with control children. The main cause of subclinical maternal hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroiditis. Data from basic studies have confirmed the impacts of maternal thyroid hormones on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of offspring. In a Chinese female population, the positive rate of thyroid autoantibodies was 11.0%, and the prevalence of postpartum thyroiditis was 11.9%. Hence, it is necessary to set up a screening schedule for subclinical hypothyroidism and autoimmne thyroiditis in pregnant women, which is of great value for the health of both women and children.
