Asian Journal of Research and Reports in Endocrinology

Ultrasound Assessment of Thyroid Volume in Pregnancy in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Peter Chibuzor Oriji

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Enefia Kelvin Kiridi *

Department of Radiology, Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Bayelsa State, Nigeria and Silhouette Radiodiagnostic Consultants, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Emily Gabriel Enefia Kiridi

Department of Physiology, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Akaninyene Eseme Ubom

Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Perinatology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria and International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), Committee on Childbirth and Postpartum Haemorrhage, Nigeria.

Obiora Chibundu

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.

Johnpatrick Uchenna Ugwoegbu

Department of Radiology, Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

Panebi Yao Bosrotsi

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Diete Koki Memorial Hospital, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Isaac Joel Abasi

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Adedotun Daniel Adesina

Department of Medical Services, Nigerian Law School, Yenagoa Campus, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria and Oasis Public Health Consulting Ltd, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Background: During normal pregnancy, the size of the thyroid gland and hormone production increase. There is increased thyroid stimulation in pregnancy, which leads to an increase in the size of the thyroid gland.

Objectives: To determine changes in thyroid volume (TV) in pregnancy and relationship with maternal age, parity, GA, weight, height and body mass index (BMI).

Subjects and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross‐sectional study which was conducted at four health facilities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, between November, 2022 and May, 2023. Statistical Product and Service Solutions for Windows® version 25, SPSS Inc.; Chicago, USA was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentages) were reported. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between thyroid dimensions and volume and age, parity, GA, height, weight, and BMI. Statistical significance was set at P value <0.05.

Results: Thyroid volume increased significantly (p=0.001) with GA, with a mean TV of 3.80 ± 0.00 cm³ at 20 weeks’ GA and 7.75 ± 3.01 cm³ at 40 weeks. Mean TV also showed significant positive correlations with maternal age (ɼ=0.15; p=0.003), parity (ɼ=0.42; p=0.009), weight (ɼ = 0.47; p=0.001) and BMI (ɼ = 0.38; p=0.001). Maternal height had no effect on TV (ɼ=0.08; p=0.143).

Conclusion: Our study revealed significant positive correlations between TV and maternal age, parity, GA, weight and BMI in normal pregnancy.

Keywords: Thyroid, ultrasound, thyroid volume, age, sex, height, weight, BMI

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