Effect of maternal factors on the results of neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism in the eastern region of Morocco

Abstract

Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common endocrine disorder and a leading cause of preventable mental retardation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between maternal factors and variations in Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) concentrations in newborns. A total of 1119 women and their newborns were hired for this study. A survey was conducted to collect socio-demographic data (age, place of residence, inbreeding), anthropometric data (weight, height) and maternal medical history. For the newborns, blood heel prick samples were collected on blotting papers, and an immunofluorimetric method was used to quantify TSH. The analysis of maternal factors revealed a highly significant association between maternal thyroid dysfunction and TSH concentrations in newborns (p < 0.001, OR = 11.365). Drugs use during pregnancy was also strongly associated (p = 0.014, OR = 3.230), especially antithyroid treatment (p < 0.001, OR = 18.218). Despite their rare consumption during pregnancy, medicinal plants were also significantly associated with elevated TSH concentrations (>15 µU/ml) (p < 0.001, OR = 11.344). Conversely, other maternal factors, such as anthropometric indicators and pregnancy-related conditions (hypertension, diabetes), showed no statistically significant association with it. The results show the direct impact of maternal thyroid disorders on the newborn’s thyroid function. This explains the importance of screening and treating maternal dysthyroid during pregnancy.