GRADUALLY, as derivatives of thiouracil become of general use in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, it proves necessary to find out whether cretinism in a light or severe degree can be induced in the fetus by administration to the mother's organism of an antithyroid substance. Clinical experiences in this problem are scarce. Eaton (3) reported two cases in which thiouracil was given to pregnant women suffering from hyperthyroidism. One of these women bore a child whose thyroid was transitorily enlarged for some time after birth. The child was normal in all other respects. In the case of the other woman the thiouracil treatment was discontinued four weeks before parturition. This woman likewise bore a normal child. Palmer (7) treated with thiouracil three pregnant women suffering from hyperthyroidism. In one case the treatment was continued from the fourth to the ninth month; in other words, right up to parturition. The child was normal in every respect.
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Freiesleben et al. (1947) studied this question.