Publication:

To study the neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with hypothyroidism in a tertiary referral centre

Background Maternal hypothyroidism may be associated with a variety of adverse maternal fetal outcomes, whether those outcomes are affected by the maternal thyroid status during her antenatal periods remains yet to be clear. The prospective observational study was done and investigated the maternal foetal and neonatal outcomes in patients with hypothyroidism during their antenatal period. Maternal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) and newborn serum levels were also evaluated.

Methods A prospective observational study was done. Group of 100 pregnancies with hypothyroidism managed in the antenatal clinic were studied at tertiary referral centre. Analysis of the neonatal outcome and modes of deliveries were evaluated.

Results The caesarean section rates were higher in the study group (40%). The neonatal TSH at birth were also evaluated in both the groups and there is no significant differences noted in both the groups p value=0.3821. The prevalence of preterm babies, low birth weight babies (birth weight less than 2.5 kg) and foetal distress were significantly higher in the uncontrolled hypothyroid status group as compared to well controlled thyroid status groups.

Conclusions The maternal thyroid status plays very imp role in the foetal outcome. The study shows strong association between of the increased rates of caesarean sections, low birth weight, preterm delivery, foetal distress and uncontrolled hypothyroid status as compared with the ones with euthyroid functions. Hence it was concluded that early diagnosis and timely management of hypothyroidism in pregnancy is important to prevent materno foetal complications.