SIGNIFICANT ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ANTI-THYROID PEROXIDASE (ANTI-TPO) ANTIBODIES AND LOW BIRTH WEIGHT IN EUTHYROID PREGNANT WOMEN

Abstract

Background: Maternal and perinatal morbidities are well-documented complications of pregnancy in women with thyroid dysfunction, both clinical and subclinical. About 2–5% of pregnant women suffer from thyroid disorders and timely intervention can be done if detected early. The presence of anti-TPO Ab is associated with increased rate of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, preterm delivery, placental abruption, pregnancy-induced hypertension, intrauterine death and low birth weight.

Objectives: Study the effect of anti-TPO Ab positivity on pregnancy outcome especially birth weight and estimate the prevalence of anti-TPO Ab in euthyroid pregnant women.

Methods: This observational study enrolled 500 euthyroid pregnant women, age 20-35 years, up to 20 weeks gestation. Venous blood samples collected and analyzed for the anti-TPO Ab levels. On the basis of Ab positivity they were divided into anti-TPO Ab positive and Ab negative group. These two groups were followed up till delivery and compared fetal outcomes for birth weight.

Result: Prevalence of anti-TPO Ab positivity was 5.2% in euthyroid obstetric women. Most of anti-TPO Ab positive women were overweight. Incidence of low birth weight babies was 4 fold higher in anti-TPO Ab positive women.

Conclusion: Anti-TPO Ab positivity significantly associated with prepregnancy BMI and low birth weight of newborns.

Keywords: Thyroid peroxidase antibodies, Anti-TPO Ab, Euthyroid, Low birth weight.