Thyroid Dysfunction Prevalence in a Turkish Pregnant Women Population Living in Black Sea Region

Background: We have aimed to determine thyroid dysfunction prevalence among pregnant women in a city of Black Sea Region that iodine deficiency is most frequently seen in our country. Materials: We have included pregnant women in their 7-8 days to 12th weeks of gestation according to last menstrual cycle. Serum triiodothyronin, tetraiodothyronin, thyroid stimulating hormone and anti-thyroperoxidase levels were measured. Results: We have observed that iodine deficiency seen in the region did not have any effect on maternal thyroid dysfunction prevalence. Maternal thyroid dysfunction prevalence was not different from maternal thyroid dysfunction prevalence reported in the worldwide. There was no statistically significant difference between prevalence of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction prevalence should be established in all regions especially among pregnant women population. Thus, frequently seen cases of endemic goiter, endemic cretinism and fetal maternal complications in last 3-4 decades could be prevented.