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Subclinical hypothyroidism after vascular complicated pregnancy
Moniek van der Zanden1, Rianne J Hop-de Groot, Fred C G J Sweep
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. M.vanderzanden@obgyn.umcn.nl
Hypertension in Pregnancy
|January 18, 2013
Summary
Subclinical hypothyroidism is common in women with complicated pregnancies, especially after very preterm delivery. This thyroid condition may increase the risk of future cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Vascular complicated pregnancies increase the risk of long-term cardiovascular disease.
- Underlying cardiovascular risk factors can impair placental and vascular function.
- Subclinical hypothyroidism may be linked to both complicated pregnancies and cardiovascular risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in women with a history of vascular complicated pregnancy.
- To explore the association between subclinical hypothyroidism and the timing of pregnancy complications.
Main Methods:
- Thyroid function was assessed in 372 women with a history of vascular complicated pregnancy.
- Prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was determined and analyzed in relation to gestational age at delivery.
Main Results:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 19.6% (73/372) of the women studied.
- The incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly higher in pregnancies that ended before 32 weeks of gestation (p = 0.008).
Conclusions:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism is more prevalent in women following very preterm delivery.
- This thyroid dysfunction may be a contributing factor to the increased risk of remote cardiovascular disease in this population.
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