Evaluation of adherence to levothyroxine and out-of-range thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in pregnant women with primary hypothyroidism.

PURPOSE

Adherence to levothyroxine (LT4) and attaining thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) goal in pregnancy has not been well-defined yet. We aimed to investigate adherence to LT4, success to reach TSH goal, and association between them in pregnant women with primary hypothyroidism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was applied in third trimester in pregnant women with primary hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, surgical hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency) whom LT4 was given for at least 3 months. Those with chronic illness or thyroid cancer were excluded. We grouped the patients according to MMAS-8 score (<6, low adherence vs ≥6, medium/high adherence), and TSH measurement in third trimester (in-range vs out-of-range).

RESULTS

Of total (n = 85), 57.64% (n = 49) had medium/high adherence to LT4, and 41.17% (n = 35) out-of-range TSH, but no association was found among them (P = .937). LT4 initiation in pregestational period, surgical hypothyroidism, high LT4 dose in second/third trimester and alternate-day dosing were associated with medium/high adherence. Age, number of visits, and less time between ingestion of LT4 and breakfast were associated with medium/high adherence. LT4 dose in second trimester and dose increment at the beginning of pregnancy were positively associated with in-range TSH.

CONCLUSION

Non-adherence and treatment failure are frequent in LT4-treated pregnant women. Adherence seems not to be associated with treatment success. Regular follow-up may improve adherence. Our study is the first to analyse both treatment success and adherence to LT4 in pregnancy.