POST-PARTUM THYROIDITIS

Question 1

What is the definition Post-Partum Thyroiditis?

Answer 1

destructive autoimmune of thyroid follicles with release of thyroid hormones

It lasts for several weeks to months after giving birth

Question 2

What is the cause of Post-Partum Thyroiditis?

Answer 2

Not fully understood

Occurs mainly to women with autoimmune thyroid conditions that flares after childbirth due to fluctuation in immune function

Question 3

What are the signs of Post-Partum Thyroiditis?

Answer 3

Round puffy face

Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

Cold Hands

Ascites

Small non-tender goitre

Thin and dry skin

Question 4

What are your top differentials for Post-Partum Thyroiditis?

Answer 4

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Grave’s DiseSe

Toxic Multinodular Goitre

Question 5

Which blood test would you order to investigate for Post-Partum Thyroiditis?

Answer 5

TSH: high

SERUM T3/4: low

RADIOACTIVE IODINE REUPTAKE: near absent

LIPID PANEL: high cholesterol + triglycerides

TPO ANTIBODIES: positive

Question 6

Which drug is given to treat Post-Partum Thyroiditis? how is it given and for how long?

Answer 6

Levothyroxine

0-100mg for healthy and young/ 25mg for elders or Ischaemic heart disease

Review at 12weeks for healthy and young/ review after 4weeks for elders or Ischaemic Heart Disease

Question 7

What are the symptoms of Post-Partum Thyroiditis?

Answer 7

Fatigue

Lerthargic

Increased sensitivity to heat > cold

Menorrhagia

Hoarse voice

Myalgia