Publication:

Prevalence of postpartum thyroiditis in women with gestational diabetes mellitus in Ardabil: North West of Iran

Background Gestational diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder during pregnancy and postpartum thyroiditis is a destructive thyroiditis that can cause serious complications for the mother and her child. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of postpartum thyroiditis in women with gestational diabetes.

Methods In this cross-sectional study, 86 cases satisfy inclusion criteria and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and were evaluated for postpartum thyroiditis with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T4, anti-TPO, T3RU tests. The groups with and without thyroiditis were compared and data was analyzed by statistical methods.

Results There were 17 patients (19.8%) with postpartum thyroiditis, of whom 4 patients (23.5%) had hyperthyroidism, 9 patients (52.9%) were in the age group of 21 to 30 years, and 9 patients (52.9%) had a family history of diabetes.  Five patients (29.4%) with high anti-TPO level (P=0.022) and mean TSH and anti-TPO respectively, 2.8 (4.8) and 17.2 (35.9).

Conclusions The results showed that higher level of anti TPO titer and family history of diabetes can be associated with a higher rate of postpartum thyroiditis, so it is recommended that postpartum thyroiditis to be examined in women with gestational diabetes who have these mentioned items.