Context
Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) positivity is prevalent in women of reproductive age and pre-disposes to thyroid dysfunction, namely hypothyroidism, which has adverse effects on pregnancy.
Objectives
To report the rate of development of abnormal thyroid function among initially euthyroid TPOAb positive women recruited into TABLET trial. To identify factors associated with the development of hypothyroidism. To compare outcomes between euthyroid and treated hypothyroid individuals.
Design
Observational cohort study.
Setting
Forty-nine UK hospitals between 2011-2016.
Participants
Euthyroid TPOAb-positive women aged 16-40years with a history of miscarriage or subfertility planning pregnancy, randomized to levothyroxine 50mcg daily or placebo.
Main Outcome Measures
Abnormal thyroid function, conception rate and live birth (LBR) ≥34weeks.
Results
70/940 (7.4%) TPOAb-positive women developed subclinical (SCH) or overt (OH) hypothyroidism: 27/470 taking levothyroxine and 43/470 on placebo (relative risk (RR) 0.63; 95%CI 0.39-1.00; p = 0.05); 83% of cases emerging pre-pregnancy. Baseline median serum TSH concentrations and TPOAb titres were significantly higher in those who developed hypothyroidism compared to those who did not (p < 0.001). Treated SCH/OH demonstrated a higher failure-to-conceive rate compared to euthyroid women (adjusted RR 2.02 [1.56-2.62]; p < 0.001). The LBR ≥34weeks was similar in the treated SCH/OH and euthyroid groups (adjusted RR 1.09 [0.77-1.55]; p = 0.6).
Conclusions
Approximately 7% of euthyroid TPOAb-positive women will develop hypothyroidism within 1year preconception, or in pregnancy. Conception rates are lower in women with treated SCH/OH compared to euthyroid women, but live birth rates are comparable. Thyroid function in TPOAb-positive women should be monitored regularly, when trying to conceive, to ensure prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment initiation.
Precis
Approximately 7% of euthyroid TPOAb positive women will develop hypothyroidism within 1 year preconception or in pregnancy. The risk is greater in women with higher baseline TSH concentrations. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of thyroid dysfunction ensures pregnancy outcomes are comparable to euthyroid individuals.