Frequency of sub clinical hypothyroidism in women with severe pre-eclampsia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) in women with severe pre-eclampsia (PE). Methodology: This cross-sectional study used Non-probability purposive sampling and was carried out at Department of obstetrics and gynecology, Lady Willingdon Hospital (LWH) Lahore, Pakistan from December 28, 2013 to June 28, 2014. A total of 200 women were enrolled having severe preeclampsia i.e. BP 160/110 mm of Hg or higher; proteinuria 3+ on dipstick or >5gram in 24 hour urine collection. The demographic features were noted. Serum TSH & fT4 assay was done by ELIZA technique. Results: Out of 200 women, 134(67%) were of 18-30 years age and 66(33%) were of age between 31-35 years (Mean age 26.49±5.20). The frequency of SH was 7.5% (n=15). Conclusion: Subclinical hypothyroidism is significant in association with severe preeclampsia. It is worthwhile to screen all women with severe preeclampsia for their thyroid status.