Influence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies on TSH levels of pregnant women and maternal-fetal complications

• Published in: Endocrinología, diabetes y nutrición. diabetes y nutrición., 2018-10, Vol.65 (8), p.444-450
• Main Authors: Fernández Martínez, Paula, Aguado García, Rocío, Barajas Galindo, David Emilio, Hernández Moreno, Ana, Alejo Ramos, Mirian, García Arias, Sara, Ballesteros Pomar, María D, Cano Rodríguez, Isidoro Manuel
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; spa
• ISSN: 2530-0180
• DOI: 10.1016/j.endinu.2018.05.004

INTRODUCTIONDuring pregnancy, thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies may increase the risk of developing subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). Both conditions appear to be associated to maternal-fetal complications. The objectives of this study were to analyze if a relationship exists between TSH and TPO levels during pregnancy and the potential effects on gestational and perinatal complications, and to assess whether detectable, but not positive, TPO levels have an impact on development of gestational SCH. METHODSA prospective study was conducted at the Leon Health Area (CAULE), where universal screening for gestational thyroid dysfunction is performed between weeks 7-13 of pregnancy. Data on TSH and TPO levels and gestational and perinatal complications were collected for all 2016 deliveries. Positive TPO antibodies were defined as values≥35IU/mL. In a previous study, a TSH level>3.72mU/L was established as the cut-off value for gestational SCH. RESULTSRecords corresponding to 1,980 deliveries at CAULE, 21 abortions, and 18 deliveries outside the hospital were analyzed. Of the 1,670 pregnant women screened (84.34%), 142 (8.50%) had positive TPO antibodies and their presence was associated to diagnosis of SCH (P