Thyroglobulin levels among iodine deficient pregnant women living in Northern Ireland.

Background: Iodine deficiency has re-emerged among pregnant cohorts in the UK. Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a protein produced uniquely by the thyroid gland which appears to mount a U-shaped response to extremes of iodine status. Tg has been suggested as an alternative marker for chronic iodine deficiency but the value of Tg in pregnancy has not been fully elucidated. A recent non-European study suggested a median Tg ≤10 µg/L with <3% of values >44 µg/L was indicative of sufficiency in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Methods: We measured serum Tg levels in each trimester in 241 pregnant women living in Northern Ireland, a population with mild iodine deficiency at all stages of pregnancy as defined by urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and iodine: creatinine ratio (ICR). Women with Tg antibodies (6% in 1st trimester) were excluded.

Results: The median UIC in this cohort was in the deficient range at 73, 94 and 117 µg/L in sequential trimesters (adequacy ≥ 150 µg/L). Corresponding median Tg levels were 19, 16 and 16 µg/L respectively. Median Tg for all samples was 17 μg/L (IQR 11-31) suggestive of iodine deficiency. Tg was >44 μg/L in 14.3%, 9.4% and 12.4% of women in sequential trimesters respectively. Women with either UIC/ICR below the cut-offs 150 µg/L and 150 µg/g creatinine had higher Tg concentrations in 1st and 2nd trimester (p < 0.01; p < 0.001) but not in 3rd trimester.

Conclusion: This study adds to the evolving evidence that Tg measurement is of value in reflecting iodine status in pregnancy.