History of preeclampsia is not associated with an increased risk of thyroid dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the thyroid function in women with a history of preeclampsia and/or HELLP syndrome at least 2 years after delivery.

DESIGN

Observational retrospective study.

SETTING

University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands.

POPULATION: Women with a history of preeclampsia and/or HELLP syndrome (n = 310) or uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 363), between January 1990 and February 2003.

METHODS

Measurement of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and antibodies to thyroid peroxidase and the use of a questionnaire about relevant history and family history of auto-immune diseases related to thyroid disease.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of primary thyroid dysfunction and antibodies to thyroid peroxidase.

RESULTS

Mean serum TSH values were not significantly different between the preeclampsia and control group (1.62 vs. 1.80 mU/l). The percentage of women who have (have had) hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, respectively, did not differ significantly between the preeclampsia and the control group (3.3 vs. 6.1% and 10.0 vs. 7.7%). Furthermore the prevalence of antibodies to thyroid peroxidase was not significantly different (6.1 vs. 7.7%).

CONCLUSION

Preeclampsia and/or HELLP syndrome are not associated with an increased risk of thyroid dysfunction in later life.