Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Level (TSH) as Possible Indicator for Pre-Eclampsia

Abstract

Introduction: Hypothyroidism and preeclampsia are associated with endothelial dysfunction. However, there is a rarity of information on the relationship between hypothyroidism in pregnancy, and the risk of preeclampsia. This study aimed to study thyroid hormones as a predictor for preeclampsia in pregnant women.
Patients and Methods: Group of cases: 50 clinically diagnosed pre-eclamptic pregnant women during third trimester, and Group of controls: 50 pregnant women normotensive during third trimester. Data collected through: Questionnaire include demographic, obstetrical, general history, medical and surgical history. Physical (general and pelvic) examination of the patients and laboratory investigation of thyroid function tests, Platelets count, white blood cell count were done to both groups.
Results: The preeclampsia group had significantly higher mean total white blood cell count than the control group, (10.9 ± 4.5), (7.16 ± 2.8), respectively. The mean thyroid stimulating hormone level was significantly higher among cases group (3.01 ± 1.35) than control group (1.9± 0.95). The mean tT3 level was non significantly lower among cases (1.81 ± 0.89) than control group (2.05 ± 1.4). The mean tT4 level was non significantly lower among cases (115.2±61.5) than control group (134.1± 55.52). The cases group had significantly higher percentage of subclinical hypothyroidism 8 (16%) and overt hypothyroidism 3 (6%) than the control group 2 (4%) and 0(0%) respectively.
Conclusions: The results of statistically significant increase in thyroid stimulating hormone levels and non-significant decrease in, tT3, tT4 levels among preeclampsia women indicate careful assessment of the preeclampsia women for thyroid function. The raised TSH levels could be used as predictor of preeclampsia.