Study of thyroid profile among the first trimester pregnant women attending tertiary care hospital in Dharwad

Abstract

Background: The thyroid dysfunctions are quite common endocrinal disorders seen during pregnancy and the maternal thyroid dysfunctions may go unnoticed due to nonspecific symptoms. The maternal thyroid dysfunction has an adverse impact on both maternal and fetal outcome. The evaluation of thyroid functioning during first trimester avoids complications both in mother and fetus. The present study was conducted to assess the maternal thyroid functions (T3, T4, &TSH) during first trimester of pregnancy and also to determine the proportion of thyroid dysfunction in these subjects. Method: One hundred and thirty five apparently normal first trimester pregnant women were randomly selected in the age group of 18-45 years from obstetric outpatient department of S.D M Medical College, Dharwad. The FT3, FT4 &TSH values were estimated using chemiluminescent immune assay method and TPO antibodies for abnormal thyroid functions. Conclusion: A high proportion of hypothyroid (15.5% hypothyroid range) was observed in first trimester of pregnancy, and hence a routine antenatal screening is suggested to diagnose the thyroid dysfunction at the earliest gestation.