Association of feto-maternal outcomes in pregnant women with thyroid dysfunction

Authors

  • Muhammad Anwar Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (National University of Medical Sciences), Rawalpindi Pakistan
  • Fawaad Sana Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (National University of Medical Sciences), Rawalpindi Pakistan
  • Sajida Shaheen Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (National University of Medical Sciences), Rawalpindi Pakistan
  • Ayesha Shuja Combined Military Hospital (National University of Medical Sciences), Rawalpindi Pakistan
  • Hajra Hafeez Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (National University of Medical Sciences), Rawalpindi Pakistan
  • Muhammad Younas Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (National University of Medical Sciences), Rawalpindi Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55629/pakjpathol.v37i2.982

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of thyroid disorders in pregnant women and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes for mother and the fetus.

Material and Method: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology department, Reference laboratory at Rawalpindi in collaboration with Gynaecology department of tertiary care hospital at Rawalpindi from 28 August 2023 to 28 February 2024. Pregnant women without diagnosed endocrine disorders in third trimester were included in this study and observed till delivery for feto-maternal outcomes. Blood samples were collected after a detailed history. Fetomaternal outcomes were compared between women with thyroid disorders and euthyroid participants by using the chi-square test and odds ratios to calculate the estimated risk.

Results: Among 174 pregnant women enrolled, 152 (87.35%) were euthyroid and 22 (12.65%) had thyroid dysfunction. The frequency of anaemia (36.4% vs 5.3%), pre-eclampsia (18.2% vs 3.3%) and low APGAR score (27.3% vs 3.9%) were higher in females with thyroid dysfunction with a p value <0.05. However, no significant differences were observed in cesarean section, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm labor, NICU admission, or low birth weight (p>0.05). Thyroid dysfunction was associated with increased odds of anaemia (OR 6.91), pre-eclampsia (OR 5.53), and low APGAR score (OR 6.91), whereas associations with other maternal and neonatal outcomes were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Pregnant women with thyroid dysfunction have a higher risk of adverse feto-maternal outcomes. Early detection and management of thyroid dysfunction could help prevent these complications.

Keywords: Euthyroid, Feto-maternal outcomes, Pregnancy, Thyroid dysfunction

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Published

30-03-2026

How to Cite

1.
Anwar M, Sana F, Shaheen S, Shuja A, Hafeez H, Younas M. Association of feto-maternal outcomes in pregnant women with thyroid dysfunction. Pak J Pathol [Internet]. 2026 Mar. 30 [cited 2026 Oct. 28];37(2):63-8. Available from: https://pakjpath.com/index.php/Pak-J-Pathol/article/view/982