Relation between Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Thyroid Hormones in Preeclampsia

Aim: Alterations in thyroid function with a simultaneous increase of hCG in some pregnancy diseases have been reported. However, the relationship between thyroid hormones and hCG during preeclampsia is not yet evaluated. In this study we determined serum levels of hCG, TSH, free T3 (fT3) and free T4 (fT4) in normal pregnant woman and in patients with preeclampsia and evaluated the correlation between these hormones. Methods: Blood samples were taken from 20 healthy pregnant women as control and from 20 patients with severe preeclampsia. Total hCG was measured by enzyme immunoassays. Serum concentrations of TSH, fT3 and fT4 were determined by chemiluminiescence method. Result: The average values of hCG were higher in the group with preeclampsia, but no statistically significant differences in relation to control group were observed. Likewise, no differences in serum concentrations of TSH, fT3 and fT4 between the control group and the group with preeclampsia were observed. Additionally, no correlation was observed between TSH, T3 and T4 with hCG. Conclusion: No correlation was observed between hCG and thyroid hormones. The different forms of hCG present in normal pregnancy and during preeclampsia could have different ways of stimulating the TSH receptor, which may be reflected in thyroid function.