新研究：孕期甲状腺激素失衡或增加孩子患孤独症风险

Core Findings - A study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University indicates that persistent thyroid hormone imbalance during pregnancy may significantly increase the risk of children developing autism spectrum disorders [1] - The research highlights the critical role of maternal thyroid hormones in fetal neurological development, particularly during early pregnancy when fetal brain development heavily relies on maternal thyroid hormones transported through the placenta [1] Research Details - The study tracked over 51,000 infants born at a medical center in southern Israel from 2011 to 2017, using precise assessments of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels [1] - Findings suggest that the longer the duration of maternal thyroid hormone imbalance during pregnancy, the higher the risk of autism in offspring [1] Clinical Implications - Researchers emphasize the importance of routine thyroid function monitoring throughout pregnancy and timely treatment adjustments [1] - For pregnant women diagnosed with thyroid disorders, maintaining stable hormone levels through medication alleviates excessive concerns [1][2] - The study's results align with existing clinical guidelines advocating for routine screening and treatment of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy, highlighting the significance of clarifying this association given the high prevalence of thyroid disorders among women of childbearing age [2]