Abstract

Background: Measurement of serum free T4 concentrations and TSH is helpful in
assessing thyroid function. During the first trimester of pregnancy, free T4 levels
measured by analog immunoassays may be unreliable, as measurements using 2
different assays were not reproducible. The present study was conducted to assess
thyroid functions in early pregnancy.
Materials & Methods:
Results: Age group 18- 21 years had 28, 22-25 years had 25, 26- 29 years had 20 and 30-
33 years had 7 patients. Subclinical hypothyroidism was seen in 20, euthyroidism in 4,
overt hypothyroidismin 8, subclinical hyperthyroidism in 45 and overt hyperthyroidism
in 3. The mean TSH (mIU/l) in subclinical hypothyroidism was 4.31, in euthyroidism
was 1.48, in overt hypothyroidism was 10.32, in subclinical hyperthyroidism was 0.016
and in overt hyperthyroidism was 0.06. The mean FT3(pg/ml) level in subclinical
hypothyroidism, euthyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism and
overt hyperthyroidism was 4.08, 3.94, 1.54, 4.2 and 7.52 respectively. The mean
S.FT4(ng/dl) level in subclinical hypothyroidism, euthyroidism, overt hypothyroidism,
subclinical hyperthyroidism and overt hyperthyroidism was 1.20, 1.28, 0.48, 1.6 and 4.2
respectively.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of thyroid disorders in pregnant women makes it
necessary to screen all the pregnant women in early pregnancy.