Fetomaternal Outcome in Maternal Hypothyroidism Complicating Pregnancies at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital

Abstract

Background: Thyroid disorders are the most common endocrine disorders in pregnancy accounting for 10% of subclinical hypothyroidism in all pregnancies. Screening for hypothyroidism is essential in all pregnant women, especially in Nepal, a low-income region where women have an increased risk of developing iodine deficiency during pregnancy. Hence this study is to analyze fetomaternal outcomes in maternal hypothyroidism complicating pregnancies. Methods: This retrospective observational study was carried out at Paropakar Maternity and Women Hospital, a tertiary center located in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Subjects of this study were 330 antenatal women with a singleton pregnancy with hypothyroidism admitted for delivery in the obstetrics ward, and informed consent was obtained. Women were chosen irrespective of age, parity, residency, and socioeconomic status. Women with multiple pregnancies and any preexisting medical disorders including heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension were excluded. Routine hematological parameters and estimations of T3, T4, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were conducted. Patients with hypothyroidism were divided into overt and subclinical and were subsequently assessed for maternal and fetal complications. The occurrence of maternal outcomes and perinatal outcomes were recorded. Result: Out of 470 total hypothyroid cases, 330 were enrolled in the study and the remaining 140 were excluded. In our study, the incidence of hypothyroidism in pregnancy was 2.11% with 1.7% of subclinical hypothyroidism and 0.31% of overt hypothyroidism. The mean age of the patient was >30 years with 53.3% (n = 176) primigravida. Mostly 70.3% (n = 232) from rural areas. Pre-Eclampsia, gestational diabetes abruptio placenta, and postpartum hemorrhage were the adverse maternal outcome with a higher percentage of these in overt hypothyroidism which was statistically significant.