Cord blood thyroid-stimulating hormone level in high-risk pregnancies

Objective: To evaluate the effect of various antepartum conditions on cord blood thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Study design: The study group consisted of 24,892 consecutive singleton deliveries over a period of 4 years. The effect of preeclampsia, glucose intolerance, maternal medical diseases, and antepartum hemorrhage of unknown origin (APHUO) on cord blood TSH level were assessed by univariate analysis and linear regression. Results: After controlling for potential confounders, there was a significant independent association between cord blood TSH level and preeclampsia (P = 0.043), glucose intolerance (P = 0.015), and maternal medical diseases (P = 0.022). Antepartum hemorrhage of unknown origin was not associated with a higher cord blood TSH level. Conclusion: Cord blood TSH level was significantly elevated in various adverse antepartum conditions. This may be related to the placental insufficiency and fetal hypoxia commonly found in these high-risk pregnancies. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.