Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy: A Hospital based cross sectional study

Uncontrolled hypothyroidism is associated with serious maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity, and mortality. Overt hypothyroidism is defined as a clinical syndrome of hypothyroidism associated with elevated TSH and decreased serum levels of T4 or T3. Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as a condition without typical symptoms of hypothyroidism, elevated TSH (>5 μU/mL), and normal circulating thyroid hormone. Material & Methods: The present hospital based cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College & Hospital, Bangalore. From the outpatient clinics, a total of 200 pregnant women of 1^st trimester were selected in the study. Informed consent was taken from the study participants. Complete thyroid profile was done.

Mean age was found to be 23.6±2.5 and mean gestational age 8.2±2.6. Among the total study participants (n=200), the overall prevalence of hypothyroidism was 16.5% (n=33). Elevated TSH levels (>5mIU/ml) was found in 16.5% (33) of the study population. With regards to thyroid hormone levels, decreased levels of T3 & T4 were observed in 24.3% (08) and 75.7% (25) had normal levels of T3 & T4. Majority had subclinical hypothyroidism 75.7% (n=25) and 24.3% (n=8) had overt hypothyroidism.