Background: The interpretation of thyroid hormone function during pregnancy is difficult due to its physiologic changes. Differences in iodine status in previous studies led to different intervals; therefore the use of trimester-specific, method-specific and probably country-specific reference values is advocated. Objective: To establish trimester-specific reference interval for thyroid function tests in pregnant Filipino women. Methodology: Six hundred sixteen pregnant patients (5–40 weeks gestation) attending a tertiary center were recruited. Level of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was measured using immunoradiometric assay while free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) were measured by radioimmunoassay method. Main outcome measures are trimester-specific reference interval based on 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles for TSH, FT4 and FT3 among TPOAb-negative pregnant patients. Results: The reference intervals for each trimester were as follows: TSH (0.05-4.24, 0.13-3.95, and 0.20-3.00 uIU/mL); FT4 (9.80-21.88, 9.10-18.95 and 9.16-18.64 pmol/L) and FT3 (2.40-6.20, 2.77-5.00 and 2.09-3.70 pmol/L). FT4 and FT3 are strongly and negatively correlated with age of gestation (p=<0.01and <0.01 respectively). No correlation is found with TSH and age of gestation (p=0.52). Conclusions Trimester-specific intervals among pregnant Filipino women are different from their non-pregnant counterparts and laboratory cutoffs. Thus, these reference values should be used in the country.
Thyroid Function Tests

Transverse vaginal septum results when the vaginal plate, formed from the fused sinovaginal bulbs fails to break or canalize during the embryogenesis.1 It may occur anywhere within the vagina, but most frequently at the junction of the cranial and middle third. It has an estimated prevalence of about 1 in 75,000 women.2 A complete septum produces obstructive symptoms similar to an imperforate hymen without bulging of the introitus. A partial septum allows passage of menstrual flow but causes dyspareunia, foul smelling vaginal discharge or laceration during childbirth. This report has demonstrated the restoration of the normal anatomy of a 13 year old presenting with complicated transverse vaginal septum with bilateral hematosalpinges. The technique was a simultaneous ultrasound-guided drainage of hematocolpos combined with perineal-abdominal approach. Management is best if diagnosed at an early age to obtain favorable outcome and to prevent psychological problems that will arise at a later age.

Human ; Female ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Vagina ; ; Abdomen ; ; Vaginal Discharge ; Embryonic Development ; Dyspareunia ; Hematocolpos ; Lacerations