Publication:

Prevalence of hypothyroid dysfunction among third trimester pregnant women and its effect on maternal and fetal outcome

Background Thyroid disorders are the predominant endocrinological afflictions of pregnancy that if were to affect the mother and her child, would lead to various complications.

Methods A randomized study among 450 third trimester admitted cases for any indication were subjected to thyroid functions by TSH, Free T4 and TPO Ab. Total 61 mothers (54 hypothyroidism and 7 sub clinical hyperthyroidism) had thyroid dysfunction. These 54 hypothyroid mothers were further evaluated during the remaining course of gestation for feto-maternal outcomes.

Results Out of 450 third trimester ANC cases 61(13.5%) had deranged thyroid functions in third trimester.  Out of 61patients, 18 (29.50%) patients had TPO Ab positive. Prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, and subclinical hyperthyroidism was 9.6%, 2.45%, and 1.5%, respectively. Anemia was found in 9.3% of SCH and 27.3% cases in OH cases. Preeclampsia was found in 16.2% cases of SCH and 18.2% cases in OH cases. Gestational diabetes mellitus was noticed among 16.27% cases of SCH and 18.18% cases of OH. Previous abortions were present among 65.1% cases of SCH and 45.45% cases of OH. Placental abruption and cardiac failure were observed in 4.65% and 2.34% of SCH only. Cesarean delivery occurred in 18.6% of SCH and 36.36% of overt hypothyroidism.

Conclusions This study concludes a high prevalence of thyroid disorders as subclinical hypothyroidism (9.6%), overt hypothyroidism (2.5%) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (1.5%) in third trimester pregnancy.