ATA Research Summit and Spring Symposium: Thyroid and Pregnancy

Newswise — The American Thyroid Association will hold its "Research Summit and Spring Symposium on the Thyroid and Pregnancy" April 16 " 17 in Washington, D.C. at the Madison Hotel. The two-day event features internationally prominent experts discussing issues such as: the changes in and the stress placed upon the thyroid gland during pregnancy, the impact of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, screening during pregnancy, and the issues regarding intervention and treatment. The Research Summit will be held April 16 and the Spring Symposium on April 17.

Pregnancy has a profound impact on the thyroid. During pregnancy, the thyroid gland produces about 50 percent more thyroid hormone as compared to when a woman is not pregnant. The glandular demand for iodine increases and, if iodine nutrition is not adequate, the thyroid increases in size and the risk for developing hypothyroidism rises.

Maternal thyroid dysfunction has a serious impact on fetal and childhood development and the raises potential for miscarriage and premature birth and clinicians caring for women of reproductive age and during pregnancy need to know which patients are at-risk for thyroid dysfunction and to know how to diagnose and manage those disorders during pregnancy.

The goal of the research summit and symposium is to provide new information to health care practitioners as well to public health policy makers and advocates for better maternal and child health. Presentations will focus on a variety of themes and issues consistent with that goal.

Researchers from across the U.S. will be accompanied by those from Belgium, Spain, the United Kingdom and other international centers of research. Topics for the Research Summit and Symposium include: mechanisms of thyroid hormone production and interaction between mother and fetus; the effects of thyroid hormone on brain development; increasing precision in thyroid testing; hyperthyroidism in pregnancy; postpartum thyroiditis; a debate on universal screening and neonatal thyroidology.

For program information and other details go to: www.thyroid.org and click on the Spring Symposium graphic.

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) is the lead organization in promoting thyroid health and understanding thyroid biology. The ATA values scientific inquiry, clinical excellence, public service, education, collaboration, and collegiality. ATA members are physicians and scientists who work to enhance the understanding of thyroid physiology and pathophysiology, improve diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases, and promote the education of physicians, patients, and the public about thyroid cancer. Thyroid diseases are the most common disorders of the endocrine system, affecting almost 13 million Americans.