The impact of levothyroxine exposure on delivery outcome in hypothyroid pregnant women (PETAL study): A five-year retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism affects 3% of pregnant women, and to date, no studies have addressed the impact levothyroxine-treated hypothyroidism on delivery outcome. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted among 750 women with a singleton pregnancy who gave birth between 2015 and 2019. Delivery modes were compared between 250 hypothyroid women exposed to levothyroxine and 500 euthyroid control women. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of levothyroxine exposure on delivery outcome. Results: Multiple logistic regression showed no significant association between exposure to levothyroxine and the overall rate of caesarean delivery (aOR 1.1; 95% CI 0.8 to 1.6). Mean TSH concentrations were significantly higher throughout the pregnancy in hypothyroid women despite levothyroxine treatment. Maternal and neonatal outcomes in both groups were not different. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism treated with levothyroxine during pregnancy according to local guidelines is not a significant risk factor for caesarean delivery.