Thivyah Prabha, Rasheed Khan, Shruthi Cn, Rathi Priya,
Volume 17, Issue 6 (11-2023)
Abstract
Background: Thyroid disorders are the most common cause of endocrine dysfunction among women of childbearing age. It is well-established that hypothyroid dysfunction can have significant adverse effects on pregnancy and fetal development. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of thyroid disorders among antenatal women and assess the maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with hypothyroid disorders.
Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the antenatal clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in association with the Biochemistry Department. After obtaining written informed consent, antenatal women aged 18-40 years were included in this study, regardless of their gestational period. Venous blood samples were collected from the antecubital vein, and thyrotropin, free triiodothyronine (free T3), and free thyroxine (free T4) levels were measured. Hypothyroid antenatal women were monitored throughout their pregnancies to evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes.
Results: Among the participants in this study, 149 antenatal women had thyroid disorders, with a prevalence rate of 12.6%. Subclinical hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism, and overt hyperthyroidism were observed in 6.9%, 3.2%, 1.8%, and 0.7% of cases, respectively. Maternal complications included oligohydramnios (5.8%), preeclampsia (13.3%), and preterm delivery (5%), while fetal complications included low birth weight (20.8%), hyperbilirubinemia (9.1%), and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions (13.3%).
Conclusion: A high prevalence (12.6%) of thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism (10.1%), among pregnant women, emphasizing the importance of routine thyroid testing for all antenatal individuals.
Adedeji Okikiade, Chidinma Kanu, Oluwadamilare Iyapo, Ololade Omitogun,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Pregnancy-induced hypertension is a spectrum of multi-systemic dysfunction in pregnancy, usually seen in the third trimester in approximately 6–8% of pregnancies in the United States, according to the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP). The World Health Organization reported that this multisystem disorder accounts for 16% of maternal deaths in developed countries and 1.8%-16.7% in most developing countries.
The spectrum can progress from Preeclampsia to Eclampsia with short- and long-term complications that may impact significantly on the quality of life of both the fetus and the mother. Though the pathogenetic mechanisms remain unclear, evidence supporting the roles of genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors is rapidly evolving. Preeclampsia, an initial spectrum of the disorder, begins with abnormal placentation with failure of adaption, inflammatory changes, permanent vascular and metabolic damages, and increasing risk of cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, neurological, hematological, and socioeconomic complications. Regardless of the postulation, oxidative stress, placenta ischemia hypoxia with release of toxic substances, and endothelial dysfunction are essentially pivotal to multiple organ damage. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends starting treatment for Preeclampsia when the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is above 105–110 mm Hg. This article describes the proposed pathophysiological mechanism associated with the spectrum of maternal complications in Pregnancy-induced hypertension.
