Pregnancy on vandetanib in metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B

A practical approach to the management of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy

Pregnancy has an important impact on the thyroid gland and its function. Thyroid activity changes as a consequence of the novel physiological state of pregnancy and requires a complex hormonal and metabolic adaptation, which is possible only in the presence of a perfectly functioning thyroid gland. In fact, thyroid function is crucial for the success of the implantation and the progression of pregnancy. Abnormal thyroid function is very common among childbearing age women, explaining the high incidence of thyroid diseases that occur during pregnancy. Aim of this work is to analyze the adaptive events that characterize the thyroid function during pregnancy, exploring their hormonal, metabolic and molecular mechanisms. Moreover, the interpretation of the laboratory data necessary to monitor the thyroid functioning during normal pregnancy or in the presence of thyroid abnormalities will be discussed.

Diagnostic and Treatment Considerations for Thyroid Cancer in Women of Reproductive Age and the Perinatal Period

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women of reproductive age and during pregnancy. This leads to important questions about thyroid cancer prognosis and treatment, but also fertility and risk for adverse obstetric and/or fetal and neonatal outcomes. The benefits of thyroid cancer treatment should be weighed against its harms, as various options may adversely impact maternal and fetal health. In the current review, the authors focus on perinatal-specific clinical considerations related to the care of patients with thyroid cancer.