The Effect of Intramuscular versus Intra-Amniotic Dexamethasone Administration on Blood Glucose Level in Diabetic Pregnant Women

Background: To investigate the blood glucose level response of diabetic pregnant women when administrating antenatal dexamethasone to accelerate fetal lung maturity in different routes. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 60 pregnant women with diabetes who required promotion of fetal lung maturity in Peking University First Hospital from January 2013 to April 2015. Dexamethasone was administered by IM (n = 29) or IAC (n = 31). Blood glucose level was monitored before injection, and 1 day, 2 days and 3 days after injection. Results: In the intramuscular injection group, the preprandial and postprandial blood glucose concentration was significantly elevated in the first two days (P < 0.001), and the postprandial blood glucose level was still higher than basal level (P = 0.034) on the third day. In the intra-amniotic injection group, the preprandial and postprandial blood glucose concentration was also significantly elevated on the first day (P < 0.001), but soon returned to the basal level on the second day. No significant difference was found in the magnitude of glucose increase between the two groups. Conclusion: Blood glucose level is significantly influenced by intramuscular injection of antenatal dexamethasone rather than amniotic cavity injection.