EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE (TSH) AND FERRITIN IN THE THIRD TRIMESTER: IMPLICATIONS FOR FETAL OUTCOMES

Introduction and objective: Thyroid diseases affect 2%-33% of pregnant women. Maintaining TSH levels during pregnancy is crucial for normal thyroid function, and iron deficiency undermines thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism. Understanding these relationships can optimize maternal and neonatal health. This research aims to explore this connection. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Darul-Sehat Hospital, involving 174 participants with a 13.2% prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in the third trimester of pregnancy. Convenience sampling was used, enrolling women with singleton pregnancies in labor regardless of iron supplementation status. Demographic and medical details were recorded. Blood specimens were collected for CBC, TSH, and Ferritin during the third trimester or at the onset of labor. Neonatal outcomes included birth weight, Apgar score, birth defects, low birth weight, preterm birth, birth asphyxia, hyperbilirubinemia, hypothyroidism, and NICU admissions. Results: In this study, 20.6% of neonates were preterm, and 47.7% were admitted to NICU. TSH and Apgar scores were significant, with p-values of 0.05 and 0.03. A significant weak inverse correlation was seen between TSH and serum ferritin levels (P-value<0.05). Conclusion: The research findings indicate a notable negative association between maternal TSH and serum ferritin concentrations, demonstrating a connection where decreased iron reserves are associated with elevated TSH levels Keywords: Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Serum Ferritin, Third Trimester, Neonate