Cord Blood Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Level: Interpretation in Light of Antenatal and Perinatal Factors

Abstract

Objective: To study the influence of antenatal and perinatal factors on umbilical cord blood thyroid-stimulating hormone (CB TSH) levels. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Private Medical College. Methods: CB TSH levels were measured in 1147 neonates using chemiluminescence immunoassay. The effect of antenatal and perinatal factors on CB TSH values was analyzed statistically. Results: The mean TSH value was 6.811 mIu/mL. A total of 44 neonates (3.83%) had a CB TSH value greater than 20 mIu/mL and had to be recalled for a repeat workup. CB TSH was significantly raised in first-order births, those born via normal vaginal delivery, and in those whom the lower section caesarean section (LSCS) was done for fetal distress (all P value <.05). Male babies had a significantly higher CB TSH value as compared to the females. Babies having Apgar < 7 at 1 min also had a significantly higher CB TSH value. Maternal hypothyroidism did not have any significant effect. On multivariate analysis, we found a positive correlation between birth weight, Apgar, and gestational age with CB TSH values. Conclusion: The incidence of neonates having a CB TSH greater than 20 mIu/mL was 3.83%. Male children, those delivered via normal delivery, those delivered via LSCS where fetal distress was an indication, and those requiring resuscitation, were significant factors affecting CB TSH values.

Effect of Maternal Triclosan Exposure on Neonatal Thyroid‐Stimulating Hormone Levels: A Cross‐Sectional Study

“…In other words, mothers who gave birth once had higher levels of TSH in their fetal umbilical cord than mothers who gave birth twice or more. Similar to the findings of our study, several studies have reported an increase in the cord TSH level in first-born neonates compared to later-born ones [ 26 , 27 , 33 ]. Moreover, some studies have reported that first infants have higher TSH concentrations than subsequent ones [ 26 , 30 , 34 ].…”

“…Similar to the findings of our study, several studies have reported an increase in the cord TSH level in first-born neonates compared to later-born ones [ 26 , 27 , 33 ]. Moreover, some studies have reported that first infants have higher TSH concentrations than subsequent ones [ 26 , 30 , 34 ]. In contrast, one study from Belgium reported no differences in TSH levels according to birth order [ 24 ].…”

“…In the present research, no significant relationship was observed between CBL-TSH and gestational diseases such as diabetes (P value = 0.277) and hypothyroidism (P value = 0.446). In addition, in previous studies, there was no significant correlation between CBL-TSH with hypothyroidism and gestational diabetes [25,26]. Furthermore, several studies did not find any important relationship between maternal diabetes and CBL-TSH [23,25,30].…”

“…Furthermore, many previous studies said no significant difference between the CBL-TSH and the neonates' sex [17,23,24]. On the contrary, some studies reported that male neonates have higher TSH concentrations than female neonates [25][26][27].…”