Effect of Oxidative Stress on Fetus Outcome in Hypothyroidism Associated Pregnancy in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern Region of India

Abstract

Introduction: Oxidative stress occurs due to the imbalance between reactive oxygen species generation &
antioxidant defense which is more in pregnancy in comparison to normal population & it is also further augmented
in hypothyroidism which is often detrimental for the fetus.We try to find the oxidative stress and its effect on
mother and baby in the pregnant hypothyroid women.
Materials & Methods: we compared the total oxidative stress (TOS) by modified free oxygen radical test in 250
pregnant women (out of which 78 were hypothyroid & 172 euthyroid) compare the same in 250 non pregnant
women from antenatal & G&O OPD of NRS Medical College, Kolkata. fT4 & TSH were estimated by ELISA
method using standardized kit. Fetal outcome was measured in terms of birth asphyxia, neonatal hypothyroidism,
low birth weight & early neonatal sepsis.
Result: Significantly higher levels of TOS (p<0.001) has been found in hypothyroid pregnant population than
euthyroid. One way ANOVA test done between nonpregnant, pregnant euthyroid & pregnant hypothyroid
population, came statistically significant (F=410.4 & p<0.05). posthoc ANOVA shows significant difference with
each other between all the 3 groups. Significanltly increased levels of neonatal hypothyroidism, birth asphyxia &
low birth weight has been found with babies of hypothyroid mothers.
Discussion: oxidative stress has been proved here to be augmented in pregnancy which is further worsen in
hypothyroidism causing poor fetal outcome.