Maternal and fetal outcomes among antenatal women with hypothyroid disorders in a tertiarycare center

Thyroid disorders are the most common cause of endocrine dysfunction among women of childbearing age. It is well-established that hypothyroid dysfunction can have significant adverse effects on pregnancy and fetal development. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of thyroid disorders among antenatal women and assess the maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with hypothyroid disorders.

This prospective study was conducted in the antenatal clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in association with the Biochemistry Department. After obtaining written informed consent, antenatal women aged 18-40 years were included in this study, regardless of their gestational period. Venous blood samples were collected from the antecubital vein, and thyrotropin, free triiodothyronine (free T3), and free thyroxine (free T4) levels were measured. Hypothyroid antenatal women were monitored throughout their pregnancies to evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes.

Among the participants in this study, 149 antenatal women had thyroid disorders, with a prevalence rate of 12.6%. Subclinical hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism, and overt hyperthyroidism were observed in 6.9%, 3.2%, 1.8%, and 0.7% of cases, respectively. Maternal complications included oligohydramnios (5.8%), preeclampsia (13.3%), and preterm delivery (5%), while fetal complications included low birth weight (20.8%), hyperbilirubinemia (9.1%), and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions (13.3%).

A high prevalence (12.6%) of thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism (10.1%), among pregnant women, emphasizing the importance of routine thyroid testing for all antenatal individuals.