Prevalence of Iodine Deficiency, Associated Factors, and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women With Hypertensive Disorders

Objectives this study aimed to determine the prevalence of iodine deficiency, associated factors, and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders. Methods a prospective cohort study was conducted in a reference maternity hospital in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, from June 2022 to April 2023. Pregnant women (n = 250) in the third trimester, aged 18 years or older, and with hypertensive disorders were included. Clinical-epidemiological data and urinary samples for iodine concentration were collected; concentrations < 150 µg/L were considered iodine deficiency. A multivariate logistic regression model determined variables associated with iodine deficiency, showing their odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results the prevalence of iodine deficiency was 74.8% (n = 187). Women with chronic arterial hypertension and gestational hypertension showed the highest frequencies of iodine deficiency (27.6% and 26.9%, respectively). Twinning (OR = 3.26; 95%CI 1.79 to 5.96; p  < 0.001) and superimposed preeclampsia (OR = 0.37; 95%CI 0.15 to 0.93; p  < 0.001) were statistically associated with iodine deficiency. Regarding evaluated outcomes, chorioamnionitis (OR = 1.32; 95%CI 1.23 to 1.42; p  < 0.001) and neonatal jaundice (OR = 1.25; 95%CI 1.07 to 1.44; p  = 0.004) were associated with a high risk of iodine deficiency. Conclusion a high prevalence of iodine deficiency was observed in women with chronic arterial hypertension and gestational hypertension, associated with twinning, chorioamnionitis, and neonatal jaundice, which suggest a need for investigation in these patients. Superimposed preeclampsia was a protective factor for iodine deficiency compared with other hypertensive disorders.