31. Positive thyroid peroxidase antibody titer is associated with dysphoric moods during pregnancy and throughout the postpartum

Abstract

Positive thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO) titers during pregnancy predict development of autoimmune postpartum thyroiditis (PPT). Some studies have noted a relationship between TPO titers and postpartum depression. No studies have examined general dysphoric moods in TPO positive women during pregnancy and the postpartum. Pregnant women ( N = 631) were screened for TPO antibodies. There were 63 euthyroid TPO positive women. A comparison group of TPO negative women ( N = 72) was randomly selected. All women were visited monthly for 6 months by a research nurse blinded to TPO status. A blood sample was obtained and a targeted physical exam was done. Women completed a thyroid symptom checklist, the Perceived Stress Scale and the Profile of Mood States. The blood was tested at each visit for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels for all TPO positive women and any TPO negative women with enlarged thyroid glands or positive symptoms. Pregnant TPO positive women had statistically significant higher depressive symptoms and more clinical depression than TPO negative women. There was significantly higher depression, anger, and total mood disturbance scores throughout the postpartum for TPO positive women compared to TPO negative women. This occurred regardless of development of PPT. The study suggests that TPO autoantibodies alone, in pregnant and postpartum women increases the possibility of negative dysphoric mood states, especially depressive symptoms. These moods cannot be explained by stress or demographic factors.