Thyroid Function Tests and Thyroid Antibody Tests in Ectopic Pregnancies: A Prospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid hormone levels have been observed to induce structural changes in different regions of the fallopian tube. This study aimed to investigate the impact of thyroid hormones on ectopic pregnancy.

METHODS: In pursuit of this objective, 31 patients with ectopic pregnancy were monitored at Siirt University Training and Research Hospital between July 2022 and December 2022. Additionally, a total of 31 patients with normal first-trimester pregnancies, matched for age, parity, and gestational week, were included in the control group. Various parameters, including patient age, pregnancy history, medical history, treatment methods, clinical and demographic data, TSH, fT3, fT4, TT3, TT4, Thyroglobulin, Anti-thyroglobulin Antibody, TSH receptor antibody (TrAB), Anti-Peroxidase Antibody, Anti-Tyroglobulin Antibody, hemogram, biochemistry, CRP, and sedimentation values, were compared.Clinical Trials no: NCT05446012


RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were noted in Free T3 (p = 0.011) and thyroglobulin (p = 0.018) values between the ectopic pregnancy and control groups. Subsequent ROC analysis was conducted for the significant parameters, determining the AUC (Lower and Upper Bound), sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off values for each parameter. Multivariate logistic regression analysis followed, wherein the "backward stepwise model" was applied to the Free T3 parameter. The apparent parameter indicating an increased risk in the disease was Free T3, with a 4.2-fold increase and a 95% CI of [1.3-13.5]. Lower Free T3 levels were associated with an elevated risk of ectopic pregnancy.


DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The assessment of Free T3 levels during pre-pregnancy counseling may aid in identifying pregnant women at risk of ectopic pregnancy.