Postpartum thyroiditis is a type of transient thyroiditis that affects 5 to 10% of women in the first year following delivery.
Predisposing factors
- Diabetes type 1
- History of postpartum thyroiditis
- Underlying autoimmune disease
- Elevated antithyroid peroxidase antibodies early in pregnancy
Clinical presentation
- Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis are rare. However, thyrotoxic symptoms appearing in the first year after delivery are most likely due to postpartum thyroiditis
Diagnosis-
- Confirmed by a negligible radio isotope intake
- Raised titers of antithyroid peroxidase antibodies
Management
- The clinical treatment is similar to that of subacute thyroiditis
- It tends to recur after subsequent pregnancies
- Some may progress to permanent hypothyroidism
