2025/07/09 by Marye Nigatie, Getinet Kumie
paper · doi:10.20372/nadre:8454
A B S T R A C T<br> Background: Thyroid dysfunction ranks among the most prevalent endocrine disorders. This disorder during<br> pregnancy has been linked to adverse effects on both the mother and the baby. However, there is a scarcity of<br> data and inconsistent documentation regarding thyroid issues in pregnant women in low-income nations.<br> Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the general prevalence of thyroid<br> disorders in pregnant women.<br> Methods: To identify relevant studies, a comprehensive search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, Science<br> Direct databases, and Google Scholar and repository registers from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2023. Ten<br> pertinent publications were chosen for the final meta-analysis. Relevant data was extracted using Microsoft Excel<br> and analyzed using STATA software version 17, employing a random-effect model. Sensitivity analysis was<br> conducted to evaluate each study’s impact on the outcome, and Egger’s test was utilized to detect publication<br> bias. A trim-and-fill analysis was executed to adjust for bias in the effect estimate. Heterogeneity across studies<br> was assessed using Cochran’s Q statistic and I2 statistics. Subgroup analysis was carried by study design, country<br> and publication year.<br> Results: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among 2538 pregnant<br> women was 12.0 % (95 % CI: 8.00 %–17.00 %). To account for the significant heterogeneity observed, a random<br> effect model was utilized. Specifically, the prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnant women was determined to<br> be 10.00 % (95 % CI: 4.00–16.00 %) with a high level of heterogeneity (I2 = 94.27 %, p < 0.001). Notably, the<br> sensitivity analysis conducted did not reveal any substantial impact on the overall pooled prevalence of thyroid<br> dysfunction.<br> Conclusion: The meta-analysis revealed a significantly higher rate of thyroid disorders among pregnant women<br> compared to global estimates. To assess the effects of treating thyroid conditions on pregnancy outcomes and<br> inform clinical decisions, it is recommended to implement cost-effective thyroid-stimulating hormone screening<br> during pregnancy.