Objectives: Maternal hypothyroidism is known for its possible deleterious effect on the neurocognitive function of the offspring. The aim of the current study is to investigate if maternal hypothyroidism also affects foetal neurological behaviour.
Methods: Fifty foetuses were examined for abnormal neurological behaviour from 25 euthyroid and 25 hypothyroid age matched pregnant females, between 28 and 38 weeks gestation. The hypothyroid group was further subdivided into controlled (n = 5) and uncontrolled (n = 20) groups. Evaluation of foetal neurological behaviour using Kurjak's antenatal neurodevelopmental test (KANET) test was performed.
Results: Mean total KANET score was significantly lower for foetuses in the hypothyroid group compared to the euthyroid (p < .001, 95% CI: 2-6). The number of foetuses showing pathological scores was significantly higher in the hypothyroid group (9, 36%) compared to euthyroid (1, 4%) (p < .005). The distribution of total KANET score was significantly different between the two groups (p = .017). Foetuses in the uncontrolled hypothyroid group showed lower mean KANET scores (9.650 ± 2.907 versus 10.80 ± 3.03) and higher frequency of pathological scores compared to controlled (8 = 40% versus 1 = 20%) although without statistical significance. The distribution of total KANET score was not statistically significant between the two groups (p = .893).
Conclusions: Overt maternal hypothyroidism may adversely affect foetal neurological behaviour. Correlation of prenatal findings with postnatal long-term neurological development is recommended in such cases.
Keywords: 4D ultrasound; KANET test; Maternal hypothyroidism; foetal neurological behaviour.