Publication:

Thyroid hormone alteration in women with pre-eclampsia

Background Preeclampsia and eclampsia are major causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The obstetricians are increasingly becoming aware of the potential or adverse effects of hypothyroidism on the outcome of pregnancy.

Methods This analytical, cross sectional, case control study is designed to compare the levels of thyroid hormone in women with preeclampsia and in normal pregnant women in the third trimester.

Results Levels of total T3 and T4 in preeclamptic women were significantly lower than that of controls whereas the mean level of TSH was significantly higher in preeclamptic group than controls.

Conclusions Primary hypo-functioning of the thyroid can accompany mild preeclampsia. Estimation of thyroid hormone levels in first and the third trimester of pregnancy are recommended.