Wesseloo R, et al. – The experts wished to estimate the relationship between thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO–ab) status during early gestation and first–onset postpartum depression. This prospective cohort study suggested that a positive TPO–ab status during pregnancy was related to first–onset postpartum depression. Therefore, thyroid function evaluation is necessary for women with first–onset postpartum depression.

Methods

• Prospective cohort study (n = 1075) with follow-up during pregnancy up to 1 year postpartum.
• During early gestation, thyroid function and TPO-ab status were measured.
• Depressive symptomatology was evaluated during each trimester and at 4 time points postpartum with the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS).
• Women with antenatal depression were not qualified for incorporation. Self-reported postpartum depression was characterized with an EDS cut-off of ≥ 13.

Results

• It was observed in the findings that the cumulative incidence of self-reported first-onset depression in the first postpartum year was 6.3%.
• The data presented in this work showed a positive TPO-ab status was related to an increased risk for self-reported first-onset depression at 4 months postpartum (adjusted OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.3–11.6), yet not at other postpartum time points.
• Findings revealed that prevalence rates of self-reported postpartum depression declined after 4 months postpartum in the TPO-ab positive group, however stayed consistent in the TPO-ab negative group.