Association between thyroid peroxidase antibody positivity and the risk of perinatal depression: a meta-analysis.
Zixuan Feng, Zixin Wu, Jin Zhou et al.
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In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis assessed whether thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) positivity is associated with perinatal depression (PND), combining cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies. Eleven studies involving 10,559 participants were included. TPOAb-positive females had a higher pooled risk of PND than those without positivity (RR=1.52, 95 %CI [1.16-1.99], p<0.05). Heterogeneity was moderate (I 2 =52 %). The findings indicate an association, but the observational evidence does not establish that TPOAb positivity causes PND.
Key findings
- Across 11 studies and 10,559 participants, TPOAb positivity was associated with higher PND risk (RR=1.52, 95 %CI [1.16-1.99], p<0.05).
- The included studies showed moderate heterogeneity (I 2 =52 %).
Why it matters
The pooled association suggests TPOAb positivity may be relevant when considering factors linked to perinatal depression and maternal-infant health. However, the evidence combines observational designs and has moderate heterogeneity, so it cannot establish causation or determine how antibody status should guide clinical decisions.
What to keep in mind
The authors note moderate heterogeneity and a limited number of included studies; the evidence comprises observational studies.