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. 2020 Dec;14(4):209–220. doi: 10.18502/jfrh.v14i4.5204

Table 3.

SWOT analysis

Strengths Weaknesses
  • The first evidence-based review on the best screening method for thyroid

dysfunction during preconception and pregnancy since the publication of
ATA guidelines;
  • Extensive selection of publications, with restricted criteria; exclusion of

pregnant women with conditions that may lead to thyroid dysfunction;
  • Topic of great interest, prevalence and impact on the population health, so

concrete response is needed;
  • Analysis of the major key points of discussion of both screening methods;

Practical recommendations and perspective of a country.
  • Problem of taking robust conclusions due to weak

or lacking evidence;
  • TSH assessment without TPOAb do not differ the

need of treatment in some cases of subclinical
hypothyroidism.
Opportunities Threats
Given there is no strong recommendation force for the decision on the best
screening method, this study highlights the need for an individualized
evaluation and future randomized controlled trials to reach a high level of
evidence data to guide clinical practice.
  • Limited number of studies and their lack of high-

quality data do not allow to draw firm conclusions.
Uncertainty of TSH reference range in pregnancy and
if levothyroxine treatment can improve outcomes.