Plasma zinc concentration and thyroid function in hyperemetic pregnancies.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Low plasma zinc is associated with pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation.
• Abnormal thyroid function is frequently observed in women experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate plasma zinc concentrations in hyperemetic versus normal pregnant women.
• To compare total thyroxin levels between these two groups.
• To explore potential correlations between plasma zinc, thyroid hormones, and human chorionic gonadotropin in pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• Plasma zinc and total thyroxin levels were measured in hyperemetic and normal pregnant women at identical gestational stages.
• Statistical analyses were performed to compare groups and identify correlations.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in plasma zinc concentration was found between normal and hyperemetic pregnant women.
• Hyperemetic women exhibited significantly higher total thyroxin concentrations compared to controls.
• Significant correlations were observed between plasma zinc and total thyroxin, free thyroxin, free tri-iodothyronin, and human chorionic gonadotropin.

Conclusions:

• Hyperemesis gravidarum is not associated with low plasma zinc concentrations.
• Elevated thyroxin levels are present in hyperemesis gravidarum.
• Plasma zinc levels correlate with thyroid hormone and hCG levels during pregnancy, warranting further investigation.