Efficiency of iodine prophylaxis in pregnant women with nontoxic diffuse goiter in a mild iodine-deficiency area

Abstract

Thirty-four pregnant women with nontoxic diffuse goiter (NDG), living in a mild iodine-deficiency area, were examined. The absence of iodine prophylaxis causes a higher than normal increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone levels by the end of pregnancy and a high frequency (87.5%) of hypothyroxinemia In the second half of pregnancy. These unfavorable events are prevented by the administration of iodine in a daily dose of 150-200 g; the early initiation of iodine prophylaxis is most effective. In women with NDG, pregnancy is most commonly complicated as threatening miscarriage, particularly in those who have not received iodine prophylaxis. Smoking during pregnancy enlarges the thyroid, which is not prevented by iodine prophylaxis.