ISSN 0975-3583
 

Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research



    STUDY ON THYROID DISORDERS IN PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING OUR TERITIARY CARE CENTRE


    Dr. Lalitha Umesh Srinivas
    JCDR. 2017: 71-77

    Abstract

    The aim and objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of thyroid disorders in pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Basic hematological and biochemical investigations were carried out along with thyroid function tests (TSH, FT3, FT4, anti TPO antibody titers). All the patients were subjected to first trimester ultrasound scan to confirm gestational age less than 12 weeks. The reference interval for thyroid panel were as per ATA guidelines. Thyroid profiles were done by the chemiluminescence method. For this study, the trimester-specific upper limit value for TSH was taken as <2.5 mIU/mL for the first trimester and <3 mIU/mL for the second and third trimesters as per American Thyroid Association (ATA) 2011 criteria. Patients with TSH levels higher than the trimester specific level and normal fT4 levels were diagnosed with SCH. Anti-TPO level <60 U/L was taken as normal upper limit as per manufacturer’s protocol. Level more than 60U/L is considered a raised anti-TPO titer. Discussion and Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy and the postpartum period is a common obstetric problem primarily managed by GPs. At-risk women are screened, but universal thyroid function screening is currently not recommended during pregnancy or postpartum. Thyroxine is used for treating overt hypothyroidism and is recommended in antibody positive subclinical hypothyroidism. For hyperthyroidism, propylthiouracil is the preferred antithyroid drug in the preconception and first trimester to reduce the risk of teratogenicity. Carbimazole may be used in the second trimester. This present study revealed an increase in subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy in our population. A significant number of SCH with high anti-TPO antibody titer points towards autoimmunity as being a significant cause of the decreased level of thyroid hormones in pregnancy.

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    Volume & Issue

    Volume 8 Issue 2

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