Thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy and its association with maternal and foetal outcomes: An observational study from a tertiary care hospital in Central India

Context: Thyroid dysfunction in early pregnancy is associated with a spectrum of adverse obstetric and fetal outcomesAims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women and to analyse the effects on both maternal and fetal outcomes.Settings and Design: Observational Cross-sectional Study. 150 pregnant women of first, second and third trimester, attending anti-natal care clinic were recruited for the study.Materials and Methods: The levels of serum total T3, total T4, and TSH were determined through the use of ELISA. Subsequently, maternal and fetal outcomes were recorded for women identified with thyroid dysfunction. Statistical analysis was conducted using Epi Info software, and a p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The prevalence of thyroid disorders was 14.6% found among pregnant women. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was 9.3%, followed by overt hypothyroidism and overt hyperthyroidism were 4.6% and 0.66%, respectively. Out of the 22 pregnant women with thyroid dysfunction, the preeclampsia (4.54%), abruption placenta (4.54%), preterm delivery (22.72%) and abortion (27.37%) were associated with hypothyroidism. The foetal outcomes were low birth weight (28.57%), still birth (14.28%) and NICU admission (28.57%) in overt hypothyroidism whereas low birth weight (21.42%), respiratory distress (7.14%) and NICU admission (7.14%) were reported in subclinical hypothyroidism.Conclusions: This study found that pregnant women belong to Central India had a significant prevalence of thyroid dysfunction. All pregnant women should undergo screening for thyroid dysfunction during prenatal visits to reduce associated morbidity and mortality rates.