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Maternal hypothyroidism may be associated with CHD in offspring
Michael J Grattan1, Daina S Thomas2, Lisa K Hornberger1
11Division of Cardiology,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry,University of Alberta,Edmonton,Alberta,Canada.
Cardiology in the Young
|October 3, 2014
Summary
Maternal hypothyroidism is linked to a higher risk of congenital heart defects (CHD) in offspring. This study found mothers with hypothyroidism had increased odds of their children developing CHD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Maternal hypothyroidism poses risks to fetal development, including demise and neurodevelopmental issues.
- Previous research suggests a connection between maternal thyroid function, congenital heart defects (CHD), and nausea/vomiting during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if maternal hypothyroidism increases the likelihood of congenital heart defects (CHD) in offspring.
- To explore the relationship between CHD, maternal thyroid status, and pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional case-control study involving 998 maternal-child pairs.
- Maternal thyroid status and pregnancy symptoms were recorded; pediatric echocardiograms assessed for CHD by a blinded cardiologist.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between CHD and maternal hypothyroidism.
Main Results:
- 10% of mothers reported a history of prenatal hypothyroidism.
- Mothers with hypothyroidism had significantly higher rates of offspring with CHD (72% vs. 62%, p=0.04).
- The adjusted odds ratio for CHD in offspring linked to maternal hypothyroidism was 1.68 (1.02-2.78).
Conclusions:
- Maternal hypothyroidism appears to be a significant risk factor for congenital heart defect development in offspring.
- Further prospective research is needed to confirm this association and understand the underlying mechanisms.
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