Comparison of thyroid function in pregnant and non-pregnant Asian and western Caucasian women

Background: Gestational thyrotoxicosis may be more prevalent in Asian women . Methods We have measured thyroid function, ferritin and bone specific alk aline phosphatase (BALP) as peripheral markers of thyroid function and hCG in Asian and western Caucasian women in non-pregnant and early pregnancy. R esults: TSH was lower in Asian women in non-pregnancy but not during normal pregnancy and this may reflect increased sensitivity of the thyroid gland to thyroid stimulation in the Asian population. No ethnic difference was fo und in FT3, FT4 or hCG but ferritin was lower and BALP higher in Asian wome n whether pregnant or not and this may be a reflection of iron balance and vitamin D status. Conclusions: We found during normal pregnancy that dynami c patterns of change for thyroid hormones and hCG are not different in Asia n and western Caucasian women. We have developed gestation related referenc e intervals. which are a pre-requisite to the study of ethnic differences i n gestation thyrotoxicosis in pregnancy. (C) 2001 Elsevier science B.V. All rights reserved.