Assessment of Thyroid Profile in Pregnancy-associated Hypertensive Disorders

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), affect approximately 10.92% of pregnancies globally, with a notable prevalence in Saudi Arabia. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the thyroid hormone profile in pregnant women diagnosed with normotensive conditions, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional study includes total of 147 pregnant women, categorized into three groups based on clinical diagnosis: preeclampsia (n=50), gestational hypertension (n=47), and normotensive controls (n=50). Blood pressure was recorded on more than two occasions after 20 weeks of gestation. Proteinuria was assessed using the dipstick method in a 24-hour urine sample. The levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free tetra iodothyronine (FT4) were estimated using the ELISA method. Based on the interpretation of laboratory results and clinical conclusion, study subjects were grouped as thyroid dysfunction types. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by Tukeys Honest test at 0.001 level of significance. Results: The results indicate significant difference in general characteristics among the three groups at 0.001 level. Overall thyroid profile parameters showed no significant difference among the groups. Mean TSH was increased in all groups with no significant difference. A total of 4% of study subjects in all groups reported subclinical hypothyroidism, whereas 2% reported subclinical hyperthyroidism. Conclusion: The study shows that while thyroid profile parameters were elevated in gestational hypertension, there was no significant difference compared to controls. It also found that 4% of participants had subclinical hypothyroidism, and 2% had subclinical hyperthyroidism. The study highlights the need for multicenter research to improve understanding and generalizability of thyroid dysfunction in gestational hypertension.