Impact of maternal thyroid disorders on maternal and neonatal outcomes in women delivering after 34 weeks of gestation

Abstract

Introduction: The association of altered thyroid regulation during pregnancy can lead to the development of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, and the resultant thyroid dysfunction ultimately leads to pregnancy-related complications. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the impact of maternal thyroid disorders on maternal and neonatal outcomes in women delivering at/after 34 weeks of gestation. Methods: The current study was a prospective observational case–control study done over 6 months. Comparisons were made between the pregnancy-related complications and the neonatal outcomes in 100 dysthyroid mothers with those of 100 euthyroid mothers, delivering at/after 34 weeks of gestation. Results: Enrollment of 200 mother-infant dyads, 100 in each group were done. The need for cesarean delivery was higher in hypothyroid patients as they failed induction of
labor (36.1%). Among the neonatal outcomes, the hypothyroid patients had a significantly higher incidence of late preterm delivery (31%) and had a higher incidence of small for gestational age infants (32%). Infants of such dysthyroid mothers did not show any significant abnormalities in their thyroid function tests. Conclusion: Abnormalities in thyroid function tests remain uncommon in infants born to dysthyroid mothers. Early screening and optimum treatment of thyroid disorders are extremely vital for optimum maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Knowledge of the associated comorbidities such as gestational diabetes, prematurity, growth retardation, and greater need for cesarean births can help to provide better medical care.