Hypothyroidism and anemia in pregnancy

Authors

  • Usha Agrawal Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, People’s College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
  • Preshant Shrivastava Department of Medicine, People’s College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
  • Shweta Shrivastava Department of Community Medicine, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal Madhya Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20163281

Keywords:

Anemia, S.TSH, Ist Trimester

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism and anemia are widely prevalent in pregnant women. Due to better diagnostic facilities and increased awareness, more cases of hypothyroidism are seen. Using ATA trimester specific guidelines for diagnosis of hypothyroidism has also resulted in increased prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnancy. This study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of hypothyroidism among pregnant women, and to study the correlation between the prevalence of hypothyroidism and anemia in pregnant women.

Methods: A total of 110 consecutive antenatal women attending the antenatal clinic were included in our study. A detailed clinical and obstetric history was obtained from them. The cases underwent routine clinical and obstetric examination. Blood samples were sent to lab for routine haematology and fasting serum TSH testing.

Results: Out of 110 cases, Raised S.TSH (>2.5mIU/L) suggestive of thyroid dysfunction was seen in 35 (31.81%) cases. Hb <11 gm% (suggestive of anemia) was seen in 21(19.09%) cases. Out of cases with Hb <11 gm%,                   9 (42.86%) had S. TSH >2.5 mIU/L, whereas 12 (57.14 %) had S.TSH < 2.5 mIU/L.

Conclusions: Thyroid disease has multiple deleterious impacts on pregnancy. In our study raised S.TSH (>2.5 mIU/L) was seen in 35 (31.81%) cases. Amongst the cases with anemia, 42.86% had S.TSH >2.5 mIU/L. Anemia and Hypothyroidism are very common in our country in pregnancy. It is likely, that hypothyroidism may add on to the severity of anemia. Early diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism during pregnancy will help in reducing anemia and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

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Published

2016-12-24

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