Fetal Hyperthyroidism with Maternal Hypothyroidism: Two Cases of Intrauterine Therapy.

Fetal hyperthyroidism can occur secondary to maternal autoimmune hyperthyroidism. The thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) transferred from the mother to the fetus stimulates the fetal thyroid and causes fetal thyrotoxicosis. Fetuses with this condition are difficult to detect, especially after maternal Graves disease therapy. Here, we present two cases of fetal hyperthyroidism with maternal hypothyroidism and review the assessment and intrauterine therapy for fetal hyperthyroidism. Both women were referred at 22+ and 23+ weeks of gestation with abnormal ultrasound findings, including fetal heart enlargement, pericardial effusion, and fetal tachycardia. Both women had a history of Graves disease while in a state of hypothyroidism with a high titer of TRAb. A sonographic examination showed a diffusely enlarged fetal thyroid with abundant blood flow. Invasive prenatal testing revealed no significant chromosomal aberration. Low fetal serum TSH and high TRAb levels were detected in the cord blood. Fetal hyperthyroidism was considered, and maternal oral methimazole (MMI) was administered as intrauterine therapy, with the slowing of fetal tachycardia, a reduction in fetal heart enlargement, and thyroid hyperemia. During therapy, maternal thyroid function was monitored, and the dosage of maternal levothyroxine was adjusted accordingly. Both women delivered spontaneously at 36+ weeks of gestation, and neonatal hyperthyroidism was confirmed in both newborns. After methimazole and propranolol drug treatment with levothyroxine for 8 and 12 months, both babies became euthyroid with normal growth and development.

[Significance of serum/cerebrospinal fluid human chorionic gonadotropin ratio and prophylactic intrathecal therapy in patients with brain metastases of gestational trophoblast tumor].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of serum/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ratio of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in detecting brain metastases of gestational trophoblast tumor and the significance of prophylactic intrathecal therapy. METHODS: Clinical information of 44 patients with brain metastases (stage IV) and 29 patients with lung metastases (stage III) of gestational trophoblast tumor who were admitted to our hospital between 1986 to 2001 were retrospectively analyzed by case control study. The variability of the ratio and the relationship between brain metastases was investigated, together with the effect of prophylactic intrathecal therapy. RESULTS: Serum/CSF hCG ratio in patients with brain metastases declined with time. The ratio before chemotherapy was in relevant with the size of the lesion which were less than 60 in advanced stages and more than 60 in early stages. Patients of stage III with prophylactic intrathecal therapy did not progress to stage IV. CONCLUSIONS: Serum/CSF hCG ratio before chemotherapy could reflect the encephalic tumor load which had reference value in diagnosis and prognosis and prophylactic intrathecal therapy played an important role in preventing brain metastasis.