Assessment of Thyroid Function Among Hypertensive Pregnant Women: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are among the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity
worldwide. Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy has been associated with adverse obstetric outcomes including
gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Early recognition of altered thyroid status among hypertensive pregnant
women may improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
Objective: To assess thyroid function status among hypertensive pregnant women and determine the prevalence of
thyroid dysfunction in this population.
Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Bhagwan Mahavir Institute of
Medical Sciences, Pawapuri, India, over a period of one year from February 2025 to January 2026. A total of 60
hypertensive pregnant women were enrolled. Detailed clinical history, obstetric examination, blood pressure measurement,
and laboratory investigations including serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free
triiodothyronine (FT3) were performed. Thyroid status was categorized according to trimester-specific reference ranges.
Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05.
Results: The mean age of participants was 27.8±4.6 years. Gestational hypertension was present in 36 (60.0%) women,
preeclampsia in 18 (30.0%), and chronic hypertension in 6 (10.0%). Thyroid dysfunction was identified in 21 (35.0%)
participants. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common abnormality seen in 13 (21.7%), followed by overt
hypothyroidism in 5 (8.3%) and subclinical hyperthyroidism in 3 (5.0%). Mean TSH levels were significantly higher
among women with preeclampsia compared with gestational hypertension (4.82±1.76 vs 3.11±1.28 mIU/L, p=0.002).
Higher systolic blood pressure showed positive correlation with TSH levels (r=0.42, p=0.001).
Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, is common among hypertensive pregnant women.
Routine thyroid screening may be beneficial in hypertensive pregnancies for early diagnosis and timely management.