Subclinical Hypothroidism and Its Impact on Pregnancy and Perinatal Outcome

Background: Thyroid disorders including also subclinical hypothyroidism are commonly encountered during pregnancy and may have an effect on the fetal and maternal outcomes. The objectives of the present study were to study the perinatal outcomes and to look for maternal and fetal complication associated with subclinical hypothyroidism. Material and Methods: A case - control study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, in collaboration with department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at a tertiary care centre starting from October 2014 to September 2016. Pregnant women having subclinical hypothyroidism and pregnant women without subclinical hypothyroidism were the study population. Study variables included thyroid profile, examination of thyroid gland, abortion rate, period of gestation at delivery, mode of delivery, birth weight, Apgar score and condition of neonate at the time of birth. Women subclinical hypothyroidism were treated with levothyroxine (LT4).2 The initial dose was depended on the women?s serum Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Their thyroid function was tested every 4 weeks and the drug dosage was adjusted according to their serum TSH level until delivery. The incidence of obstetrical and perinatal outcomes between women who received treatment was compared with normal women. Results: A total of 107 (one hundred seven) pregnant patients who (54 in SCH group and 53 in euthyroid group) were recruited. The distribution of age, gravida, and past obstetric history between the two groups which was comparable and not statistically significant. Majority of the diagnosis were made in the first and second trimester, which was statistically significant (p=0.035). Low birth weight was seen in 8% of SCH group and 1.9% of euthyroid group. Conclusion: The universal thyroid function testing during pregnancy and women with SCH should be offered treatment with levo thyroxine (LT4).