Cord blood thyroid-stimulating hormone level in high-risk pregnancies
Louis Yik-Si Chan1, Pui Yu Chiu, Tze Kin Lau
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, 30-32 Ngan Sing Street, Shatin, Hong Kong, China. lyschan@cuhk.edu.hk
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of various antepartum conditions on cord blood thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level.
Study Design:
The study group consisted of 24,892 consecutive singleton deliveries over a period of 4 years. The effect of preeclampsia, glucose intolerance, maternal medical diseases, and antepartum hemorrhage of unknown origin (APHUO) on cord blood TSH level were assessed by univariate analysis and linear regression.
Results:
After controlling for potential confounders, there was a significant independent association between cord blood TSH level and preeclampsia (P=0.043), glucose intolerance (P=0.015), and maternal medical diseases (P=0.022). Antepartum hemorrhage of unknown origin was not associated with a higher cord blood TSH level.
Conclusion:
Cord blood TSH level was significantly elevated in various adverse antepartum conditions. This may be related to the placental insufficiency and fetal hypoxia commonly found in these high-risk pregnancies.
Related Concept Videos
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Graves' Disease I: Introduction

