PREVALENCE OF HYPOTHYROIDISM IN SEVERE PREECLAMPSIAAND ECLAMPSIA CASES DURING THE THIRD TRIMESTER IN PREVIOUSLY EUTHYROID PATIENTS

Background- Hypothyroidism in pregnancy mainly complicates the maternal and fetal health. Hypothyroidism in eclampsia and preeclampsia is more lethal for the maternal and fetal health. This study was mainly undertaken to find out the prevalence of hypothyroidism in eclampsia and preeclampsia and its effects on maternal health. Material and Methods- A prospective study was undertaken in the department of OBG of Shimoga institute of medical sciences, Shimoga. Fifty cases of pregnant women diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia during the third trimester and previously euthyroid patients with no history of thyroid disorders were included. Patients with known pre-existing thyroid disorders or those on thyroid medicines and patients with incomplete and insufficient medical records were excluded from the study. The data regarding demographic information, Medical history, results of thyroid function tests and severity of preeclampsia and eclampsia and other relevant clinical history was obtained. The data thus obtained was analyzed using suitable statistical tests. Results- Mean age of the pregnant women was 24.8 ± 4.9 years. The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 13% in this study. The mean gestational age was 34.8 weeks. About 58.7% of the pregnant women were primigravida. About 50.0% of the normal cases had a full-term, normal delivery, while 66.7% of the hypothyroidism cases required LSCS. Conclusion-The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 13% in pregnant women with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia.