Evaluation of Thyroid Dysfunction in Patients with Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Recent studies indicate a relationship between β - hCG and thyroid dysfunction. The aim of this study were evaluation of thyroid dysfunction in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum, evaluation of severity of hyperthyroidism, relation between β - hCG and hyperemesis gravidarum and outcomes of patients. 135 patients with hyperemesis gravidarum admitted to Ob- Gyn hospital were selected and based on exclusion criteria, 103 pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum without any history of anti thyroid drugs consumption or other diseases were chosen. Each woman was examined for clinical signs of thyroid disease and underwent investigations for urine keton Na, k, liver function test, thyroid function test and diluted β -hCG. 35 women had abnormal thyroid function tests with FT4I 4.74±0.54 and this in another group of 68 women was 2.9±0.39 (P<0.0001). β-hCG in the first group was 59406±14800 mU/mL and in the second was 6750±3476 mU/mL (P<0.0001). In 5 patients PTU was started due to the severe signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Thyroid function tests (TFTS) were rechecked for other patients after 4 weeks routine therapy for hyperemesis gravidarum TFTS normalized in 11 patients with hyperemesis gravidarum, but were abnormal in 22 patients, and PTU was started and anti-TPO anti-body was measured, which was positive in 3. Monthly TFT’s were done and PTU was adjusted. Mean therapy was 2.76 months and 60.63 mg/d for Anti-TPO negative and 5.33 months and 170 mg/d for Anti-TPO positive patients. One month after delivery, thyroid function test was performed. PTU was continued in Anti-TPO positive patients but was discontinued in Anti-TPO negative during pregnancy with normal (TFTS) in all of the subjects following delivery. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in women with hyperemesis gravidarum was 35% of whom 20% needed low dose anti-thyroid theraphy of short duration, which resulted in significant improvement. A female predominance among offspring of mothers with hyperemesis gravidarum was seen, smilar to findings of other studies.