Evaluation of thyroid function at different stages of pregnancy in Iraqi women

Abstract

The evaluation of thyroid function of either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism should be assessed by determination of serum Triiodothyronine (T3),Thyroxin (T4) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Due to specific conditions related to the pregnancy period, there are various alterations accompanied this stage of life. Some changes required due to physiological demands of pregnancy. Thyroid function was studied by determination of thyroid hormones using highsensitive Enzyme Linked Immune sorbent Assay (ELISA) technique in 35 pregnant Iraqi women.The study group comprised 35 full term pregnant women scheduled follows up the alterations of thyroid hormones, while the control group included 30 healthy women volunteers. Serum concentrations levels of total T3 (TT3), total T4 (TT4) & (TSH) were estimated using (ELISA) technique. In the study group, blood samples were obtained during various stages of monthly period of pregnancy.Mean age of the study group was (27±5) years, and that of controls were (25±3)years. In first trimester: serum TT3 & TT4 levels were significantly higher than that in controls [1.2134±0.0445 vs. 1.0583±0.2439 ng/mL and 8.5266±0.4545 vs 7.0466±1.4460 μ gm/dL respectively while TSH levels were significantly lower than that of control 2.3866 ±0.3087 vs 3.3466±1.3396 μIU/mL; P< 0.05]. In second trimester, there were continuously increase in concentrations levels of TT3, and TT4 than that in control but TSH significantly was decreased [1.347±0.0191 vs 1.0583±0.2439 ng/ml, 9.5923±0.31005 vs 7.0466±1.4460 μ gm/dL and1.6733±0.1469 vs 3.3466±1.3396 μ IU/mL; P< 0.05]. In third trimester, TT3 showed significant fall [1.2833±0.0447 vs. 1.0583±0.2439 ng/ml and the levels of TT4 significantly increased 10.3213±0.0914 vs 7.0466±1.4460 μ gm /dL while TSH significantly decreased1.2685±0.0390 vs 3.3466±1.3396 μIU/mL and; P< 0.05]. All alterations, the TT3 in first trimester was rise significantly, and it was significantly fall in third trimester. TSH was significant fall in third trimester .Conclusion that during pregnancy seemed to be significantly influenced by stress present during pregnancy.