“Unmasking the Thyroid Connection: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Hypothyroidism and Pre-eclampsia among Pregnant Women in Western India”

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism is a prevalent endocrine disorder in pregnancy and is increasingly being linked to hypertensive complications such as pre-eclampsia. However, Indian data, particularly from Western regions, remain limited.

Objective: To assess the correlation between maternal hypothyroidism and pre-eclampsia among pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital in Western India.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 240 antenatal women ≥20 weeks of gestation. Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T4) were performed, and women were categorized as hypothyroid or euthyroid. Pre-eclampsia was diagnosed as per ACOG criteria. Blood pressure, proteinuria, and maternal–fetal outcomes were recorded. Chi-square test, t-test, and logistic regression were applied, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:Of the 240 women, 52 (21.7%) were hypothyroid and 188 (78.3%) were euthyroid. Pre-eclampsia occurred in 26.9% of hypothyroid women compared to 11.1% of euthyroid women (p = 0.004). Early-onset pre-eclampsia (<34 weeks) was significantly higher in the hypothyroid group (5 vs. 2 cases; p = 0.02). Mean systolic (138.4 ± 12.6 mmHg) and diastolic (91.2 ± 7.8 mmHg) pressures were significantly elevated in hypothyroid women (p = 0.001). Severe pre-eclampsia was also more frequent (15.4% vs. 4.2%; p = 0.009). Logistic regression showed hypothyroidism independently predicted pre-eclampsia (AOR 2.89; 95% CI: 1.31–6.32). Preterm birth (21.1%) and IUGR (17.3%) were higher in the hypothyroid group.

Conclusion: Hypothyroidism significantly increases the risk, severity, and early onset of pre-eclampsia. Routine thyroid screening and timely management during pregnancy are essential to reduce maternal and neonatal complications.].