Prevalence and complications of Hypothyroidism during pregnancy in western Nepal

Abstract

Background: This study was designed to know the prevalence of hypothyroidism during pregnancy in western part of Nepal and its potential complications. Methods: One Hundred seven pregnant cases from Gandaki Medical college teaching hospital and Diabetes thyroid and Endocrinology care center, two of the tertiary care centers in Pokhara were enrolled in the study from the year 2011 January to 2012 December. Detailed history and physical examination was done. Thyroid Function test (FT3, FT4 andTSH) were performed after the confirmation of pregnancy. Patients were followed up during entire pregnancy. Seven patients dropped out from the study. Results: Out of 107 patients 56 patients had TSH below 6 mIU/L,31patients had TSH between 6mIU/L - 10 mIU/L and 13 patients had TSH more than 10 mIU/L. Seven patients dropped out from the study. There was1 miscarriage, 1 still birth from hypothyroid mother and 11 hypothyroid and subclinical hypothyroid mothers had preterm delivery. Conclusion: Prevalence of overt hypothyroidism is around 13% and subclinical hypothyroidism is around 31% in pregnant ladies in western Nepal. Also complications like stillbirth should be prevented by detecting and treating hypothyroidism early. So we recommend all patients with pregnancy to perform thyroid function test at the start of pregnancy. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 03 | Number 01 | January-June 2014 | Page 48-50 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v3i1.10358