To the best of my
knowledge there is no screening for postpartum thyroiditis (PPT) in
Palestine up to date .The aim of this study was to establish a base line
data regarding PPT incidence , and to determine possible risk factors.
This study shows that the screening program system faced many problems
regarding sampling as well as handling of specimens, and also in follow
up and communication with people. From May 2000 to May 2001, there was
101 pregnant women screened for PPT by measuring the TSH hormone by
immuno-radiometric assay (IRMA) method. Four cases were diagnosed as
suspected PPT as TSH concentration was undetectable, incidence about 4%.
This incidence is in the same range of reported incidence in most
countries. About 17.8% of screened cases were classified in the range
less than 0.5 mIu/m1 for TSH level in postpartum period.
Although our screening program for PPT has benefited pregnant women to
some extent, it seems that this subject need more wide screening with
more cases, tests, and budgets. To achieve this goal, cooperation
between all primary health care providers, to pregnant women in prenatal
and PP period, is definitely needed.