Thyroid Profile in Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Abstract

Introduction: Hyperemesis gravidarum is the persistent vomiting, with onset occurring before 13 weeks of gestation, of such severity that the woman is unable to retain solids and liquids and requires hospital admission for intravenous hydration. Hyperemesis is associated with higher levels of human chorionic gondotrophin (hCG) and thus a potential cause of hCG mediated thyrotoxicosis. This study aimed to determine the association of thyroid profile with the severity of hyperemesis
gravidarum.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of six months in 151 patients. Pregnant women before 13 weeks of gestation admitted with the diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum were enrolled. Severity of hyperemesis gravidarum was assessed with Modified Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) scoring system. Thyoid function test was compared with PUQE score and the results were analyzed.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 25.57 years.Most were primigravida,between 8 to 8+6weeks of gestation and  104(68.9%)had normal body mass index. Majority of individuals had urine acetone of 4+. Normal thyroid profile values were
found in most patients. Most of the patients had moderate to severe hyperemesis gravidarum. The study did not show statistically significant association between hyperthyroidism and PUQE scoring severity.

Conclusion: There was no strong evidence to suggest that the presence of hyperthyroidism is associated with the severity of PUQE scoring.