Autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) and thyroid dysfunction in hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)

AT can manifest as either hyper or hypothyroidism. AT can be a possible putative factor for HG and hyperthyroidism. A prospective study was conducted to determine the frequency of hyperthyroidism and AT in patients with HG. 17 consecutive women in one-year period admitted with persistent vomiting, tachycardia and clinical signs of dehydration in their early pregnancy were considered as cases of HG and included in the study. Serum T3, T4, TSH and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO) were measured and Free Thyroxine Index was calculated. Average age of cases of HG was 26.8 years (20-40). Total T3 and T4 levels were within normal reference range. Mean TSH and Free Thyroxine Index were 0.269 +/- 0.2mIU/ml (0-0.72) and 3.5 +/- 0.6 (2.4-4.6) respectively. TSH suppression (< 0.4mIU/ml) was observed in 12 cases (70.5%). None of the 12 cases of TSH suppression showed higher levels of TPO antibodies. Hyperthyroidism is associated with HG however AT failed to show any association with HG.