Assessing the need of dosage adjustments of thyroxine among pregnant women with hypothyroidism

Aim & objective: The aim of the study is to assess the need of dosage adjustments of thyroxine among pregnant women with hypothyroidism.
Methodology: To evaluate the effects of pregnancy on thyroxine requirements, we prospectively reviewed the thyroid function of 86 women receiving treatment for hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Study design: Prospective observational study
Results and findings: Out of 86 subjects, 44 subjects are having pre pregnancy hypothyroidism and 42 subjects are having gestational hypothyroidism. Age at presentation (yrs) was 23.78+ 4.17; Weight (kgs) was 61.11+13.27. Among 44(51.16%) subjects in pre pregnancy hypothyroidism, 9(20.45%) subjects required increase in levothyroxine dose; 10(22.7%) required decrease in levothyroxine dose. Among 42(48.83%) subjects in gestational hypothyroidism, 5(11.9%) subjects required increase in levothyroxine dose; 2(4.76%) subjects required decrease in dose; (P=0.032). Remaining 60 subjects in both pre pregnancy and gestational hypothyroidism required no change due to sufficient dose.
Conclusion: Based on our prospective observational study we finally conclude that Levothyroxine requirements was more in all trimesters but mostly in first trimester followed by third trimester. Levothyroxine requirement was more in Gestational hypothyroidism (19.76%) compared to Pre pregnancy hypothyroidism (16.27%).