European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Subclinical Hypothyroidism (SCH) is defined by a serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level higher than the normal reference range associated with a normal serum thyroxine. SCH produces multiple adverse including spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, still births, preterm delivery and decreased intelligence quotient. Bad obstetric history (BOH) is defined as women with previous 2 or more spontaneous abortions, stillbirth, IUGR, early neonatal deaths. There is no consensus among different international societies regarding routine screening for thyroid problems and hence the present study was undertaken. Aims:To study the prevalence and association of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in pregnant women with Bad obstetric history. Materials And Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 200 women for one year selecting the pregnant women with BOH as cases and pregnant women without BOH as controls.Serum TSH, total T3 and total T4 were measured.Data was analyzed using Epi Info version 7.2.2.6. Results:The prevalence of SCH in pregnant women with BOH was 20%. Women with SCH had history of >2 miscarriages when compared to euthyroid women but difference was not statistically significant (p>0.558). Associated factors like preeclampsia and preterm labour were higher in SCH group when compared to euthyroid women. Conclusion:The prevalence of SCH is high in pregnant women with BOH and is associated with miscarriages, preeclampsia and preterm labour. Hence TSH estimation should be done in all pregnant women with BOH.