Abstract
A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF ACUTE HYPERTHYROIDISM DURING PREGNANCY

Hyperthyroidism is a rare condition that can arise during pregnancy. Remission usually occurs between the twelfth and sixteenth gestational week, as Jonckheer et al. have demonstrated (1976). Many authors believe that antithyroid medications should be used first for treating maternal hyperthyroidism during pregnancy. They recommend using the lowest dose possible to achieve normal thyroid function and have shown that even at very low dosages, serum thyroxin levels in neonates are significantly reduced. Most occurrences of neonatal hypothyroidism are temporary. The impact of this transistory condition is on the neonate's future development is unknown, and though the condition is far from synonymous with true neonatal hypothyroidism, it should be avoided until it is certain that its implications on future development are minor. Mrs. B.E., a 24-year-old Caucasian primigravida who was otherwise healthy, stopped using oral contraception in November 1979. Her personal and family backgrounds were unremarkable. Because of eye irritation, an ophthalmologist was contacted, but no therapy was given available. She sought advice at our antenatal clinic in July after being referred by a private gynecologist. On the 15th, she appeared with exophthalmos, an evident goiter, and a slew of other symptoms. The obstetrician must be informed of the possibility of hyperthyroidism and pregnancy occurring at the same time (0.2-0.5 percent). The symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be hidden by normal pregnancy indicators, leading to a delayed diagnosis. Acute hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is uncommon, but early detection is critical since treatment may differ from standard antithyroid medication therapy. Once the diagnosis is made, intense prenatal care must be offered to ensure a healthy foetal outcome