Abstract

Objective: In the present study, we aimed to examine whether the TSH/FT4 ratio after the second trimester can predict the prevalence of preeclampsia (PE) or gestational hypertension (GH).

Study design: Retrospective case-control study.

Methods: We collected TSH and FT4 serum levels after the second trimester in 133 pregnant women with suspected PE or GH. Participants were divided into 2 groups, the PE+GH group and the non-PE+GH group and conducted the retrospective study for the two groups to evaluate the background and the prevalence of PE or GH were retrospectively evaluated.

Results: Among the participants in the PE+GH group, mean age, body mass index (BMI) at no pregnancy and BMI at delivery were 34.5 ± 6.7 years, 22.3 ± 3.9 kg/m² and 26.0 ± 4.0 kg/m², respectively. Among the participants in the non-PE+GH group, mean age, BMI at no pregnancy and BMI at delivery were 32.9 ± 5.5 years, 22.5 ± 4.8 kg/m² and 26.1 ± 4.4 kg/m², respectively. There were no significant differences observed between the two groups. The cutoff point of the TSH/FT4 ratio was 1.9 (sensitivity 0.45, specificity 0.81), which was derived from the receiver operating characteristic curve. The adjusted odds ratio of PE or GH prevalence was 3.60 (95% CI: 1.62-8.02).

Conclusion: The TSH/FT4 ratio after the second trimester may aid in the prediction of PE or GH prevalence.

Keywords: Preeclampsia; Gestational hypertension; TSH; FT4