Publication:

Outcome of clinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy: a case control study

Background Hypothyroidism in pregnancy is generally associated with various adverse outcomes. Also worldwide, there is an increased awareness about morbidity caused by this endocrinological disorder in pregnancy .This study is undertaken to evaluate the outcome of this condition in pregnancy.

Methods 144 newly diagnosed clinical hypothyroid pregnant women were taken as the case group and 145 age and parity matched euthyroid pregnant women were taken as controls. The outcome compared in between these two groups were pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and hypertension , oligohydramnios, intrauterine growth restriction , intrauterine demise, Caesarean section rates and it’s indication as well as neonatal outcome like birth weight and need for neonatal intensive care.

Results Clinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy constituted 6.1% of the total number of deliveries. There was a significantly higher number of gestational diabetes in the case group (p=0.0001). Caesarean sections done for the indication of foetal distress was significantly higher when compared with the control group (p=0.00002). Large for gestational age babies were more common in case group.

Conclusions Clinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy even when treated adequately might lead to complications.