Update on the safety of antithyroid drugs during pregnancy and lactation

VernacularTitle:妊娠及哺乳期抗甲状腺药物安全性的再认识
Author: Hui HUANG ¹ ; Guofang CHEN ; Chao LIU
Author Information

1. 南京中医药大学附属中西医结合医院内分泌代谢病院区
Keywords: Antithyroid drugs; Hyperthyroidism; Pregnancy; Lactation; Teratogenicity
From: Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2018;34(8):634-637
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Hyperthyroidism in pregnant and breastfeeding women should be adequately treated to prevent maternal and fetal complications. The choice of treatment during pregnancy and lactation is antithyroid drugs ( ATDs) . The risk of embryopathies in fetus and the effect on thyroid function of infants associated with the use of ATDs have been concerned for a long time. Large observational studies have quantified an increased risk of embryopathies associated with the use of methimazole ( MMI) and propylthiouracil ( PTU) during pregnancy, despite the effects of PTU appear less severe. Guidelines recommended PTU as the first-line choice for the first trimester during pregnant. And it is safe for ATDs use in lactating mothers. However, China Food and Drug Administration added the requirement of forbidden use of MMI during lactation this February. Accompanied by the updated guidelines for thyroid disease during pregnancy and the postpartum by American Thyroid Association, the issues of ATDs use during pregnancy as well as postpartum need to be further clarified.