Prevalence of gestational thyroid disorders in Zaria, north-western Nigeria

Background: Thyroid disorders are the second most common endocrine disorders found during pregnancy. Normal maternal thyroid function is critical for normal fetal development. Gestational thyroid dysfunctions complicate pregnancy with a significant increase in maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Objective: To assess the prevalence of thyroid disorders among pregnant women in Zaria. Materials and Methods: Study population consisted of 300 apparently healthy pregnant women and 100 apparently healthy age-matched nonpregnant controls. Participants were not on any drug that can affect thyroid function. Serum thyroid hormones [thyroid stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine (T 3 ), free thyroxine (T 4 ), and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody] were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using Epi Info 3.5.3 and P-values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Ages (mean ± SD) were 25.41 ± 5.98 and 26.70 ± 5.83 years for pregnant women and controls, respectively. Parity mean ± SD were 2.32 ± 2.24 and 2.63 ± 2.75 for pregnant women and controls, respectively. The mean gestational age ± SD was 21.68 ± 10.38 weeks. Three percent (3%) were hypothyroid, while 2.3% were hyperthyroid. Nine percent (9%) were TPO antibody positive. Conclusion: Prevalence of thyroid disorders among pregnant women in Zaria was high therefore routine screening of all pregnant women for thyroid disorders during antenatal care visits may be of benefit.