Estimation of Thyroid Hormones in Pregnancy as an early predictor of Pre-eclampsia

Abstract

Background: During normal pregnancy, changes in thyroid function is documented and these changes are physiological and have been considered as one of the pathophysiological causes of preeclampsia. The information regarding thyroid function in preeclampsia is scanty. Aim: To estimate the levels of thyroid hormones in preeclamptic pregnant women and to compare it with healthy normotensive pregnant women. Meterials and Methods: Thirty five pregnant women clinically diagnosed as preeclampsia were enrolled and an equal age matched, parity matched and gestation age matched healthy normotensive pregnant women were taken as controls for the study. This is a case-control hospital based study carried at Department of Biochemistry ,M.G.M. Medical College and associated M.Y. Hospital. Indore (M.P.) Blood samples collected were estimated for T3, T4 and TSH by a one step enzyme immunoassay sandwich method. Comparison between both the groups was done by Student’s t-test.Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in age and BMI but significantly higher differences in gestational age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed. No significant levels of T3 and T4 between healthy normotensive pregnant and preeclamptic pregnant women was observed. The study shows highly significant increase in the TSH levels in preeclampsia as compared to normal pregnancy. Conclusion: The study concluded that the thyroid disorder is one of the predisposing causes for preeclampsia. Hence thyroid hormonal assay can be considered as a screening test for early diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia to prevent further complications of it. Key-words: Preeclampsia, Tri-iodothyronine(T3), Thyroxine (T4) , Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).