Abstract

The aim of this cross-sectional study in Jordan was to estimate the prevalence of hypothyroidism among women during early pregnancy and to assess the association of risk factors with hypothyroidism. According to internationally adopted thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) pregnancy reference ranges (TSH > or = 2.6 mlU/L and T4 10.6-20.4 pmol/L), 67 of 322 (20.8%) women were diagnosed with sub-clinical hypothyroidism. When the general laboratory criteria were applied (TSH > or = 4.6 mlU/L and T4 < 10.6 pmol/L) the prevalence dropped to 4.3%. No cases of overt hypothyroidism were diagnosed using either diagnostic criterion. Younger age and being in gestational weeks 1-8 were significant risk factors for hypothyroidism. It is suggested that the reference criteria need revision, and that pathology laboratories should adopt appropriate pregnancy-specific reference intervals.

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Authors

Alkafajei A, Amarin Z, Alazaizeh W, Khader Y, Marji M

Institution

Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.

Source

Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de santé de la Méditerranée orientale = al-Majallah al-ṣiḥḥīyah li-sharq al-mutawassiṭ 18:2 2012 Feb pg 132-6

MeSH

Adolescent
Adult
Age Distribution
Cross-Sectional Studies
Early Diagnosis
Female
Humans
Hypothyroidism
Jordan
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications
Pregnancy Trimester, First
Prevalence
Reference Values
Risk Factors
Young Adult

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22571089