Some women (20-40%) of women with postpartum thyroiditis (PPT) may eventually develop permanent hypothyroidism. A number of risk factors may identify a woman at greater risk, but all patients with PPT should be followed for this complication.
Risk factors for permanent hypothyroidism following PPT:
(1) moderate to severe hypothyroidism during the initial event with elevated TSH and longer duration (less transient)
(2) higher titer of antithyroid antibodies (antibody to thyroid peroxidase and/or thyroglobulin)
(3) Grade 2 or 3 thyroiditis by ultrasonography (hypoechogenic)
A woman with an episode of PPT may have recurrence during subsequent pregnancies.
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