Chen JJ, Chen XJ, She QM, Ouyang S. Maternal thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroid peroxidase antibody levels: Associations with postpartum depression and impacts on adverse pregnancy outcomes. World J Psychiatry 2026; 16(4): 113329 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v16.i4.113329]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Jia-Jun Chen, MD, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Bao’an District Songgang People’s Hospital, No. 2 Shajiang Road, Songgang Subdistrict, Shenzhen 518100, Guangdong Province, China. sp57963@163.com
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Psychology
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Retrospective Study
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Apr 19, 2026 (publication date) through Apr 1, 2026
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World Journal of Psychiatry
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2220-3206
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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
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Chen JJ, Chen XJ, She QM, Ouyang S. Maternal thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroid peroxidase antibody levels: Associations with postpartum depression and impacts on adverse pregnancy outcomes. World J Psychiatry 2026; 16(4): 113329 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v16.i4.113329]
World J Psychiatry. Apr 19, 2026; 16(4): 113329 Published online Apr 19, 2026. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v16.i4.113329
Maternal thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroid peroxidase antibody levels: Associations with postpartum depression and impacts on adverse pregnancy outcomes
Jia-Jun Chen, Qiu-Min She, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Bao’an District Songgang People’s Hospital, Shenzhen 518100, Guangdong Province, China
Xue-Jin Chen, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Clinic, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
Sheng Ouyang, Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Bao’an District Songgang People’s Hospital, Shenzhen 518100, Guangdong Province, China
Author contributions: Chen JJ designed the research and wrote the first manuscript; Chen JJ, Che XJ, and She QM contributed to conceiving the research and analyzing data; Chen JJ and Ouyang S conducted the analysis and provided guidance for the research.
Supported by 2023 Bao’an District Medical and Health Research Project, No. 2023JD214.
Institutional review board statement: This study was approved by the Ethic Committee of Shenzhen Bao’an District Songgang People’s Hospital.
Informed consent statement: Patients were not required to give informed consent to the study because the analysis used anonymous clinical data that were obtained after each patient agreed to treatment by written consent.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Data sharing statement: No additional data are available.
Corresponding author: Jia-Jun Chen, MD, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Bao’an District Songgang People’s Hospital, No. 2 Shajiang Road, Songgang Subdistrict, Shenzhen 518100, Guangdong Province, China. sp57963@163.com
Received: September 28, 2025 Revised: November 24, 2025 Accepted: December 18, 2025 Published online: April 19, 2026 Processing time: 183 Days and 0.9 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Postpartum depression (PPD) is closely associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs); thus, early PPD detection and prevention may help safeguard maternal and neonatal health.
AIM
To clarify the roles played by maternal serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) in PPD risk and APOs.
METHODS
We enrolled 83 women with PPD and 80 healthy pregnant controls from Shenzhen Bao’an District Songgang People’s Hospital (March 2021 to March 2024). Serum TSH and TPOAb levels were compared between groups. In PPD cases, association between thyroid markers and depressive severity, measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale, were examined using Spearman’s correlations. Based on pregnancy outcomes, APOs (premature membrane rupture, preterm birth, postpartum hemorrhage, macrosomia, hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy, and gestational diabetes) were contrasted with favorable outcomes. Univariate and multivariable analyses identified APOs predictors.
RESULTS
Compared with controls, PPD cases had higher TSH and TPOAb levels, both positively correlated with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale. In the final multivariable model, independent predictors of APOs were multiparity ≥ 3 [odds ratio (OR) = 3.782, P = 0.007], PPD (OR = 2.921, P = 0.046), TSH ≥ 3 mIU/L (OR = 3.333, P = 0.019), and TPOAb ≥ 7 U/mL (OR = 3.958, P = 0.008).
CONCLUSION
Serum TSH and TPOAb levels were significantly elevated in mothers with PPD and correlated strongly with depressive severity. Multiparity ≥ 3, PPD, TSH ≥ 3 mIU/L, and TPOAb ≥ 7 U/mL each increase the risk of APOs.
Core Tip: This study included 83 patients with postpartum depression (PPD) and 80 healthy controls. By comparing serum-stimulating hormone and thyroid peroxidase antibody levels and assessing their associations with depressive symptoms, we identified both makers as positively correlated with PPD severity and as independent contributors to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Multiparity and PPD further heightened adverse pregnancy outcomes risk.
