DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY OF FETAL THYROID-DI SEASE

Fetal and maternal thyroid function are working independently under ph ysiologic conditions. In case of maternal autoimmune hyperthyroidism d uring pregnancy there is an up to 12% chance for the fetus to develop thyroid dysfunction, mediated by the transplacental passage of materna l immunoglobulins directed against TSH receptors in the fetal thyroid gland. This may lead to intrauterine growth retardation, craniosynosto sis, preterm delivery, perinatal death, etc. Sonography and fetal bloo d sampling provide important information to detect fetuses at risk and allow intrauterine therapy. Furthermore prenatal diagnosis is importa nt in case of maternal antithyroid drug ingestion possibly leading to fetal hypothyroidism and goitre. The cooperation of specialists for in ternal and fetal medicine is required for the management of maternal t hyroid disease in pregnancy.