Cord blood thyroid-stimulating hormone level in high-risk pregnancies

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of various antepartum conditions on cord blood thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Study design: The study group consisted of 24,892 consecutive singleton deliveries over a period of 4 years. The effect of preeclampsia, glucose intolerance, maternal medical diseases, and antepartum hemorrhage of unknown origin (APHUO) on cord blood TSH level were assessed by univariate analysis and linear regression. Results: After controlling for potential confounders, there was a significant independent association between cord blood TSH level and preeclampsia ( P=0.043), glucose intolerance ( P=0.015), and maternal medical diseases ( P=0.022). Antepartum hemorrhage of unknown origin was not associated with a higher cord blood TSH level. Conclusion: Cord blood TSH level was significantly elevated in various adverse antepartum conditions. This may be related to the placental insufficiency and fetal hypoxia commonly found in these high-risk pregnancies.