Bangladesh Endocrine Society Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Disorders in Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Comprehensive Overview
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: CONTEXT AND RATIONALE Thyroid disorders are relatively common during pregnancy and can have profound effects on both maternal and fetal health. In Bangladesh, the management of these conditions has traditionally relied on international guidelines and individual clinical judgment, highlighting the need for localized, evidence-based recommendations. The BES guidelines are a timely response to this necessity, providing a structured approach tailored to the Bangladeshi context. DEVELOPMENT PROCESS The BES formed a task force comprised experts in endocrinology, obstetrics, gynecologists, pediatrics, and epidemiologists to develop these guidelines. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, focusing on terms such as “thyroid disease and pregnancy,” “hypothyroidism in pregnancy,” and “thyrotoxicosis in pregnancy.” Due to a scarcity of local intervention studies, the task force also considered observational studies, case reports, and expert opinions to formulate practical recommendations. We refer to the recent BES guidelines for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders during pregnancy and postpartum.[1] Rather than reiterating the content of the guidelines, our commentary focuses on several critical issues that require further attention. KEY ISSUES RAISED Implementation barriers While the guidelines offer a structured approach, practical challenges exist in ensuring that all levels of clinical practice across Bangladesh can adopt and adhere to these recommendations.[2] Variability in healthcare infrastructure and resource limitations may impede uniform implementation. Addressing these disparities is essential to convert guidelines into improved patient outcomes. Need for local epidemiological data The absence of robust local studies creates a gap in understanding the true prevalence and spectrum of thyroid disorders in the Bangladeshi pregnant population. We emphasize the urgent need for localized epidemiological research and intervention studies to inform future guideline updates and policy decisions.[3] Clinician training and decision-making Although the guidelines provide a standardized framework, they do not eliminate the need for clinicians to exercise individual judgment in complex cases. Focused training programs are necessary to bridge the gap between guideline recommendations and real-world clinical decision-making. Enhanced continuing medical education and targeted workshops can support this effort. Integration into national health policy To maximize its impact, these guidelines should be integrated into broader national health protocols. This integration would facilitate resource allocation, improve access to diagnostic and treatment modalities, and ultimately create a more cohesive strategy for managing thyroid disorders in pregnancy.[4] TAKE-HOME MESSAGE Our commentary underscores that the BES guidelines, while a vital step forward, must be supported by a systematic approach to implementation, continuous local research, and dedicated clinician training. Only through these concerted efforts can we ensure that the guidelines translate into meaningful improvements in maternal and fetal health outcomes in Bangladesh.
Authors: Nadira Rahman, Yomna Fahmy, Mahnaz Akunjee
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4409157201