Endocrine Abstracts

Aim: To evaluate pregnancy outcomes, such as spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, and antepartum or postpartum hemorrhage, in relation to thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) level during thyroxine replacement for subclinical hypothyroidism.

Materials and methods: This study included 50 pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism, which were followed from the beginning to the end of their pregnancy. Levothyroxine was supplemented to maintain TSH between 0.3–3 mIU/l in all patients, irrespective of TPOAb status. Pregnancy outcomes were noted as spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, and antepartum or postpartum hemorrhage. Outcomes were compared between these three groups as per TPO antibody status (undetermined, negative, positive), which were matched for age and gestational period.

Results: In our study, thyroid autoimmunity was noted in 42% of women screened for TPO antibody. A total of 13 adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed (five spontaneous abortions, five preterm deliveries, three postpartum hemorrhage) with no significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion: Adverse pregnancy outcomes resulted similar in the three groups of pregnant women with adequate thyroxine replacement for subclinical hypothyroidism. TSH values maintaining in euthyroid range, irrespective of thyroid autoimmunity status, is an important factor for pregnancy complicantions prevention.

Keywords: Pregnancy, subclinical hypothyroidism, preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion, thyroid autoimmunity.