Author/Authors :
Azizi Fereidoun نويسنده , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh نويسنده , Simbar Masoumeh نويسنده Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Noroozzadeh Mahsa نويسنده Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , RAHMATI SELKISARI Maryam نويسنده , Nazarpour Sima نويسنده Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran , Minooee Sonia نويسنده Nursing and Midwifery School,Alborz University of Medical Sciences,Karaj,Iran
Abstract :
[Background]Currently, various clinical and laboratory diagnostic methods are used to detect overt hypothyroidism during pregnancy. The Billewicz scoring index, as a clinical scale for detection of hypothyroidism, has been applied in general populations; however, its application during pregnancy remains a controversial subject of ongoing research.[Objectives]The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of Billewicz scoring index for overt hypothyroidism in a general population of Iranian pregnant women.[Methods]This study was conducted on 1843 pregnant women. A comprehensive questionnaire, including Billewicz scoring items, was completed, and relevant clinical examinations were performed. The participants underwent serum measurements of thyroxine (T4), thyroid hormone uptake, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb). Using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the optimal sensitivity and specificity were determined as values with maximum yields on the Youden and Rsquo’s Index (sensitivity + specificity-1).[Results]The prevalence of overt hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism was 3.3% and 28.6%, respectively. Overall, 3.6%, 18.9%, and 50% of euthyroid, subclinical hypothyroid, and overt hypothyroid women were TPOAb-positive, respectively. The mean Billewicz scores of euthyroid, overt hypothyroid, and subclinical hypothyroid women were -41.16 (11.16), -17.11 (13.63), and -40.1 (11.2), respectively. Based on the Billewicz scale, at least one sign of hypothyroidism was reported in 38.84% (n, 491) of euthyroid women. Scores ≤ -26.5 (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 90.82%) were considered as the optimal scores for predicting overt hypothyroidism (Ldquo, Norisk, and Rsquo).[Conclusions]The Billewicz clinical scoring system, as a reliable and inexpensive clinical tool, used along with laboratory measurements, can help screen overt hypothyroidism during pregnancy, primarily in low-resource settings.
