The Influence of Different Thyroid Autoantibodies on Thyroid Function and Pregnancy Outcome After Assisted Reproductive Technology

The Influence of Different Thyroid Autoantibodies on Thyroid Function and Pregnancy Outcome After Assisted Reproductive Technology

The influence of thyroid autoantibodies on thyroid function in pregnancy after fertility treatment is not well known.

The objectives of the present study are:

1. To monitor the course of thyroid function during pregnancy and to compare between women with and without thyroid autoantibodies.
2. Compare pregnancy outcome between women with and without thyroid antibodies

Thyroid autoantibodies and / or abnormal thyroid function are associated with fertility problems.

A possible explanation for this is, an influence of thyroid autoantibodies on the functioning of the thyroid gland. It is therefore recommended to check thyroid gland function and for the presence of autoantibodies before pregnancy. In general, 2 types of thyroid autoantibodies are known: anti-thyreoperoxidase autoantibodies and anti-thyroglobulin autoantibodies.

In case of abnormal thyroid function, treatment is sometimes necessary in regards to fertility. The risk of abnormal thyroid function is increased in women with thyroid autoantibodies during pregnancy. Therefore, thyroid function is regularly monitored during pregnancy in women with thyroid antibodies. The influence of thyroid autoantibodies on thyroid function in pregnancy after fertility treatment is not well known.

The objectives of the present study are:

1. To monitor the course of thyroid function during pregnancy and to compare between women with and without thyroid autoantibodies.
2. Compare pregnancy outcome between women with and without thyroid antibodies

Inclusion Criteria:

• first cycle of assisted reproductive technology with follow up of thyroid function at the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
• age >= 18 and <= 36 years
• body mass index between 18 and 35

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with clinical thyroid dysfunction
• Patients being treated with levothyroxine or antithyroid drugs
• Patients being treated with glucocorticosteroids
• Patients undergoing in vitro maturation or preimplantation genetic testing.
• Poor responders during IVF/ICSI stimulation, using the Bologna criteria