Takeaway
- Antithyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb) positivity during pregnancy and after childbirth is associated with increased risk for postpartum depression (PPD), according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Why this matters
- This study suggests that thyroid autoimmunity should prompt screening and intervention for PPD.
Key results
- TPOAb-positive status was associated with increased risk for PPD (pooled risk ratio [RR], 1.49; P=.008).
- This association was still significant after adjustment for publication bias (aRR, 1.41; P=.0002).
Study design
- 2932 subjects, 449 with TPOAb-positive status and 2483 with TPOAb-negative status, from 5 studies were analysed for risk for PPD.
- Funding: Ministero dell’Universita e della Ricerca Scientifica, Italy.
Limitations
- Limited number of studies included, some with small sample sizes.
- Heterogeneity in TPOAb measurement timing and cutoff values, as well as PPD diagnostic tools.
References
References
