Comparative Study of Thyroid Hormone Disorders Among Women with Gestational Diabetes and Normoglycemic Pregnant Women

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

Introduction: Gestational diabetes and thyroid disorders are dual gestational endocrinopathies that are associated with significant adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

Aims: To compare the prevalence and types of thyroid disorders in pregnant women with and those without gestational diabetes and to determine the predisposing factors to thyroid hormone disorders.

Settings and Design: Comparative cross-sectional study.

Methods and Material: This study was conducted in JUTH, Jos, Nigeria. A total of 70 women with GDM and 70 normoglycaemic pregnant women were recruited by simple consecutive sampling. The serum TSH, fT3 and fT4 were analysed with commercially available Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits manufactured by Monobind Inc. Lake Forest, CA 92630, USA. The results were compared between the GDM and the non-GDM groups.

Statistical analysis used: This was done using Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS) software (version 26).

Results: The prevalence of thyroid hormone disorders in women with GDM was 45.7% (32) and this was higher when compared with normoglycaemic pregnant women (28.6%). Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common thyroid hormone disorder among women with GDM and this was higher and significant ( 34.3%, p value 0.001) when compared with the non-GDM group (1.4%). Gestational diabetics with family history of thyroid disorder were significantly at more risk (aOR 6.71, 95% CI 1.42-31.80; p=0.016) of hyperthyroidism when compared to normoglycaemic pregnant women. The risk of hyperthyroidism was significantly less (aOR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.72) in gestational diabetics with anterior neck swelling than the non-GDM pregnant women.

 Conclusion: The prevalence of thyroid hormone disorder particularly subclinical hypothyroidism in women with GDM is considerably high and significant than normoglycaemic pregnant women. Family history of thyroid disorder is a significant risk factor associated with hyperthyroidism in women with GDM.

Key words-  Thyroid hormone disorders, gestational diabetes, subclinical hypothyroidism, predisposing factors