Comparative effects of insulin pump and injection on gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy outcomes and serum biomarkers

BACKGROUND Insulin injection is the basic daily drug treatment for diabetic patients.AIM To evaluate the comparative impacts of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion(CSII).METHODS Based on the treatment modality received,the patients were allocated into two cohorts:The CSII group and the multiple daily injections(MDI)group,with each cohort comprising 210 patients.Comparative assessments were made regarding serum levels of serum-secreted frizzled-related protein 5,homocysteine,and C1q/TNF-related protein 9.Furthermore,outcomes such as fasting plasma glucose,2-hour postprandial glucose levels,pain assessment scores,and the incidence of complications were evaluated post-treatment.RESULTS The CSII group displayed notably lower fasting plasma glucose and 2-h postprandial glucose levels in comparison to the MDI group(P<0.05).Subsequent analysis post-treatment unveiled a significantly higher percentage of patients reporting no pain in the CSII group(60.00%)in contrast to the MDI group(36.19%)(P<0.05).Additionally,the CSII group exhibited a markedly reduced occurrence of fetal distress and premature rupture of membranes compared to the MDI group(P<0.05).However,there were no significant variances observed in other pregnancy outcomes between the two groups(P>0.05).A statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the incidence of complications between the groups(χ^(2)=11.631,P=0.001).CONCLUSION The utilization of CSII via an insulin pump,as opposed to MDI,can significantly enhance the management of insulin administration in patients with GDM by diversifying the sites of insulin delivery.This approach not only promotes optimal glycemic control but also regulates metabolic factors linked to blood sugar,reducing the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes and complications.The clinical relevance and importance of CSII in GDM management highlight its wide-ranging clinical usefulness.

Serum fibroblast growth factor 21: Lack of association with gestational diabetes and pregnancy outcomes

BACKGROUND The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)has been increasing worldwide and is associated with multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes.Despite standard screening,some cases remain undiagnosed.Fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21)plays a role in modulating glucose metabolism.There is an ongoing controversy regarding the relevance of FGF21 to GDM.AIM To evaluate the association between early second trimester serum FGF21 levels and gestational diabetes,and its predictive potential for outcomes.METHODS This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary medical center,Chiang Mai University,Thailand.It included 28 pregnant women diag-nosed with GDM and 81 pregnant women with normal glucose status.Blood samples were collected according to the study schedule,and pregnancy outcomes were recorded meticulously.Descriptive analysis was employed to evaluate the data.RESULTS Most participants in our study had no risk factors for GDM(body mass index<24 kg/m2,no first-degree relatives with diabetes,no history of GDM),normal baseline glucose status(fasting glucose<110 mg/dL),and no insulin resistance(homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance<2).There was a trend of increased FGF21 levels in the insulin-treated GDM group compared with dietary-treated GDM and non-GDM(73.58 pg/mL vs 62.94 pg/mL vs 63.59 pg/mL,respectively,P=0.73).However,no significant association was found between FGF21 concen-trations and pregnancy outcomes based on quintiles of FGF21 levels.CONCLUSION FGF21 was not associated with GDM or pregnancy outcomes;however,due to the small sample size,larger clinical trials with a diverse population are suggested to confirm these results.

Continuous glucose monitoring metrics in pregnancy with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Managing diabetes during pregnancy is challenging,given the significant risk it poses for both maternal and foetal health outcomes.While traditional methods involve capillary self-monitoring of blood glucose level monitoring and periodic HbA1c tests,the advent of continuous glucose monitoring(CGM)systems has revolutionized the approach.These devices offer a safe and reliable means of tracking glucose levels in real-time,benefiting both women with diabetes during pregnancy and the healthcare providers.Moreover,CGM systems have shown a low rate of side effects and high feasibility when used in pregnancies complicated by diabetes,especially when paired with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump as hybrid closed loop device.Such a combined approach has been demonstrated to improve overall blood sugar control,lessen the occurrence of preeclampsia and neonatal hypoglycaemia,and minimize the duration of neonatal intensive care unit stays.This paper aims to offer a comprehensive evaluation of CGM metrics specifically tailored for pregnancies impacted by type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of Pregnancy Outcomes among Women with Pregnancies Complicated by Diabetes Mellitus in Abakaliki, South-East, Nigeria

Background: Pregnancies complicated by diabetes are associated with significant increase in maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The management of diabetes in pregnancy is a great challenge in a low resource setting because of limited resources and facilities to care for these women. Aim: To determine the maternal and perinatal outcomes of diabetic pregnant women managed at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Southeast, Nigeria. Materials and methods: This was a 7-year retrospective case-control study that compared pregnancy outcomes among women with pregnancies complicated by diabetes and those without diabetes managed at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakalikibetween January 1st, 2012 and December 31st, 2018. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Results: The incidence of diabetes in pregnancy in this study was 6.6 per 1000 deliveries. Of 126 women in diabetic arm of the study, 81 were diagnosed during pregnancy and 45 were known diabetic prior to conception. Over two-thirds of 126 women with pregnancy complicated by diabetes achieved good blood glucose control during pregnancy. Both groups differ in their mean BMI and women with diabetes in pregnancy were more likely to be obese compared with control (diabetic;30.1 ± 2.5 versus control;23.4 ± 2.1, P < 0.0001). Pregnant women with diabetes were more likely to be delivered by cesarean section when compared with non-diabetic women (86 versus 23, OR = 9.6, 95% CI: 5.35 - 17.32, P < 0.0001). Similarly, the incidence of polyhydramnious was higher in paturients with diabetes when compared with the control groups (26 versus 13, OR = 2.2, 95%CI: 1.10 - 4.63, P = 0.02). There were no differences between both study groups with regards to other maternal outcomes. The incidence of fetal macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome were significantly higher among women whose pregnancies were complicated by diabetes when compared with the control [Diabetics;fetal macrosomia (62.7%), neonatal hypoglycemia (44.4%) and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (22.2%) versus Control;fetal macrosomia (34.1%), neonatal hypoglycemia (7.9%) and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (5.6%) respectively]. Conclusion: Women with pregnancies complicated by diabetes had a higher incidence of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Clinical recognition of diabetes in pregnancy is important because institution of therapy, and antepartum fetal surveillance can reduce the maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with the condition.

Comparative Study on Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Overt Diabetes Mellitus and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Late Pregnancy

Background: With the rising prevalence in recent years, gestational diabetes mellitus has become one of the leading causes of maternal and child mortality and morbidity worldwide and has raised health concern. It is seriously detrimental to both the women and fetuses. However, there are limited evidences of two types of gestational diabetes mellitus on clinical characteristics and outcomes. Therefore, this study was aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with overt diabetes mellitus (ODM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at the late pregnancy. Methods: From January 2015 to August 2016, totally 63 gestational diabetes mellitus from the Department of Clinical Nutrition in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were enrolled in the study. Patients were classified into two groups. 31 patients with gestational overt diabetes mellitus were grouped into ODM group and 32 patients with gestational diabetes mellitus were grouped into GDM group. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between ODM and GDM. We collected records of the age, gestational week, family history, past history, pregnancy complications, insulin use, blood pressure, clinical nutrition indexes, blood pressure. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PALB), hemoglobin (HGB), urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (CREA), and dynamic blood glucose monitoring were measured. And we recorded the changes of blood glucose and the test data. We statistically analyzed the data of two groups. Results: In the ODM group, HbA1c, FBG, average blood glucose, two-hour postprandial blood glucose (2hPBG) after breakfast, 2hPBG after dinner, the number of hyperglycemic events and high blood glucose time ratio are significantly higher than those of GDM and two groups compared with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The number of patients treated with insulin (10/31) in ODM is significantly more than that in GDM (1/32) (P < 0.05). 45% (14/31) of ODM have a family history of diabetes patients. The ratio is significantly higher than 13% (4/32) of GDM (P < 0.05). There was significant difference in urinary ketone positive rate between the two groups (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in urinary microalbumin abnormal rate between them (P > 0.05). The number of preeclampsia in ODM (8/31) is significantly higher than that of GDM (P < 0.05). The level of HGB in ODM is lower than that of GDM (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the pregnancy outcomes between the two groups. Conclusion: Late pregnancy women with ODM have obvious family history, higher HbA1c, higher FBG, higher glucose levels of two-hours after breakfast and dinner, higher average blood glucose, longer hypoglycemia time, higher probability of hyperglycemic events and greater opportunity to use insulin in the treatment of symptomatic patients, higher risk of preeclampsia, lower HGB level than GDM, while GDM has higher positive rate of urine ketone than ODM.

Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in Indigenous Australians with diabetes in pregnancy

AIM: To perform a systematic review of reported neonatal and pregnancy outcomes of Indigenous Australians with diabetes in pregnancy(DIP).METHODS: Electronic searches of Pub Med and Web of Science were carried out. Articles were selected if they contained original data on DIP outcomes in Indigenous Australians. There were no specific exclusion criteria.RESULTS: A total of eight articles, predominantly from Queensland and Western Australia were identified once inclusion criteria were applied. Birth data from midwifery registries or paper charts encompassing years 1985-2008 were used. A total of 465591 pregnant women with and without DIP were included in the eight studies, with 1363 being Indigenous women with DIP. Indigenous Australians experienced increased rates of many known adverse outcomes of DIP including: macrosomia, caesarean section, congenital deformities, low birth weight, hypoglycaemia, and neonatal trauma. There were regional differences among Indigenous Australians, particularly regional/remote vs metropolitan populations where the regional/remote data showed worse outcomes. Two of the articles did not note a difference between Aboriginals and Caucasians in the rates of measured adverse outcome. Studies varied significantly in size, measured outcomes, and subsequent analysis.CONCLUSION: The health disparities between Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians are further evidenced by poorer outcomes in DIP. This has broader implications for Indigenous health in general.

Study on the correlation and predictive value of serum pregnancyassociated plasma protein A, triglyceride and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a concern due to its rapid increase in incidence in recent years.AIM To investigate the correlation and predictive value of serum pregnancyassociated plasma protein A(PAPP-A),triglyceride(TG),and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25-(OH)D]with GDM in early pregnancy.METHODS A total of 99 patients in early pregnancy admitted to Peking University International Hospital from November 2015 to September 2017 were included,and underwent a fasting glucose test and oral glucose tolerance test screening at 24-28 wk of pregnancy.Of these cases with GDM,51 were assigned to group A and the remaining 48 cases without GDM were enrolled in group B.Serum PAPP-A,TG and 25-(OH)D in the two groups were compared and their correlation with blood sugar was analyzed.In addition,their diagnostic value in GDM was determined using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Group A had markedly lower serum PAPP-A and 25-(OH)D levels and a significantly higher serum TG level than group B,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Furthermore,Pearson analysis identified that PAPP-A and 25-(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose(FBG)levels(r=-0.605,P<0.001),(r=-0.597,P<0.001),while TG and FBG levels were positively correlated(r=0.628,P<0.001).The sensitivity,specificity,area under the curve(AUC)and optimal cut-off value of serum PAPP-A level in the diagnosis of GDM were 72.55%,82.35%,0.861 and 16.340,respectively,while the sensitivity of TG in diagnosing GDM was 86.27%,the specificity was 66.67%,the AUC was 0.813,with an optimal cut-off value of 1.796.The corresponding sensitivity,specificity,AUC and optimal cut-off value of serum 25-(OH)D were 64.71%,70.59%,0.721 and 23.140,respectively.Moreover,multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that FBG,vascular endothelial growth factor,Flt-1,serum PAPP-A,TG,and 25-(OH)D were related risk factors leading to GDM in patients.CONCLUSION Serum PAPP-A,TG,and 25-(OH)D levels are all correlated with blood glucose changes in GDM,and are independent factors affecting the occurrence of GDM and have certain value in the diagnosis of GDM.

Prediction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Early Pregnancy: Is Abdominal Skin Fold Thickness 20 mm or More an Independent Risk Predictor?

Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is associated with several maternal and perinatal complications. Early detection and treatment can improve pregnancy outcomes. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, risk factors and predictors of GDM in early pregnancy at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, (UPTH), Port Harcourt Nigeria. Methods: A cohort of 235 mothers who registered for antenatal care between 15 - 18 weeks of gestation at UPTH was prospectively studied. Their socio-demographic data, examination findings, anthropometric measurements, fasting blood sugar at booking and OGTT results at 28 weeks gestation were collated and entered into PC with SPSS for windows version 21.0 which was also used for the analysis. Variables were expressed as absolute numbers, percentages or means with standard deviations and significant differences determined using chi square test or the student “t” test as appropriate. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Of the 235 participants, 35 (14.9%) developed GDM. Women who had GDM were significantly older (P = 0.001), had higher weight (t = 2.95, P = 0.01), BMI (t = 2.29, P = 0.02), abdominal skin fold thickness (t = 4.15, P = 0.001), blood pressure (t = 3.38, P = 0.001) compared to women who did not. Previous history of GDM was significantly different between two groups as χ2 = 93.56 and P = 0.001. Abdominal skin fold thickness and prior GDM history were found to be independent predictors of GDM on application of multiple logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: The prevalence of GDM in Port Harcourt is 14.9% and major risk factors are obesity, previous GDM history, advanced age and hypertension. Abdominal skin fold thickness ≥ 20 mm is an independent predictor. The risk of developing GDM can be predicted in early second trimester using algorithm incorporating risk factor screening and anterior abdominal wall skin fold thickness estimation.

Food Intake Characteristics during Early Pregnancy in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

To investigate the characteristic food intake during early pregnancy in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a rural city in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, one hundred and twenty-one women were recruited and queried about their habitual dietary intake. Food intake of patients was assessed using the model nutritional balance chart at 12 - 16, 24 - 28, and 34 - 36 weeks of gestation. Of the 121 pregnant women examined, 19 were obese. During early pregnancy, food intake ratios of the obese women were significantly lower than those of the non-obese women for the categories of milk (p < 0.001) and sugar (p < 0.05). GDM group was 7 women among 19 women in obesity group during mid-pregnancy. During early pregnancy, women with GDM had significantly higher sugar intake ratios than women without GDM (p < 0.05). These results suggested that obese pregnant women are able to prevent GDM by limiting their sugar intake during early pregnancy.

Relationship between Positive Glucose Screening, Obesity and Pregnancy Outcome in the Absence of Gestational Diabetes: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Currently pregnant women with abnormal glucose screening test (GCT), performed at 26?-?28 weeks gestation with a subsequent normal glucose tolerance test (GTT) receive routine care. Could these women be at risk of adverse pregnancy? Objective: Compare rate of caesarean section (CS), induction of labour (IOL), macrosomia, admission to special care nursery and neonatal hypoglycaemia. Designs: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Ipswich Hospital, Ipswich, Queensland. Participants: Pregnant women having had the test at the hospital laboratory. Methods: Charts review of outcome measures including induction of labour, caesarean section, macrosomia, RDS and short-term neonatal morbidity. Results: We reviewed 882 charts (441 cases and 441 controls). There was a higher IOL rate among cases 21.1% versus 16.6% (OR and 95% CI 1.45;1.03?-?2.06) and a higher CS rate, 30.4 versus 23.6 (OR and 95% CI 1.41;1.05?-?1.91). Compared to women with BMI 18.5 - 24.9, women with BMI of 30 and above had a significantly higher IOL rate (47.1% versus 22.6%), higher CS rate (47.2% versus 25.7%) and higher rate of macrosomic baby (79.2% versus 4.2%). There were more women amongst the cases who were older, smoked, had a BMI 30 and above and had previous history of GDM. After adjusting for maternal age, BMI and smoking status, there was still an increased odds of CS, IOL and macrosomia, but this did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Abnormal glucose screening test in the absence of gestational diabetes is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. This is largely contributed by maternal obesity.

Analysis on Family History of Diabetes, Weight Gain during Pregnancy and Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index on 82 Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objective:To investigate the effects of family history of diabetes mellitus,Gestational Weight Gain(GWG)and Body Mass Index(BMI)before pregnancy on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus(GDM).Method:82 pregnant women with GDM who were hospitalized and delivered in the obstetrics department of our hospital from September 2017 to September 2019 were selected as the observation group,and 60 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance test in the same period were selected as the control group;The relationship between family history of diabetes,weight gain during pregnancy and pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index and GDM were analyzed.Results:The age,pre-pregnancy weight and weight gain during pregnancy were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05),and the family history of diabetes and pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index were higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05),and the differences were statistically significant.Conclusion:It is suggested that family history of diabetes is related to gestational diabetes mellitus.Excessive GWG growth during pregnancy and high Body Mass Index before pregnancy may increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women.

Relationship between depression and diabetes in pregnancy: A systematic review

AIM To systematically review the literature on women with both diabetes in pregnancy(DIP) and depression during or after pregnancy. METHODS In this systematic literature review, PubM ed/MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched(13 November 2015) using terms for diabetes(type 1, type 2, or gestational), depression, and pregnancy(no language or date restrictions). Publications that reported on women who had both DIP(any type) and depression or depressive symptoms before, during, or within one year after pregnancy were considered for inclusion. All study types were eligible for inclusion; conference abstracts, narrative reviews, nonclinical letters, editorials, and commentaries were excluded, unless they provided treatment guidance.RESULTS Of 1189 articles identified, 48 articles describing women with both DIP and depression were included(sample sizes 36 to > 32 million). Overall study quality was poor; most studies were observational, and only 12 studies(mostly retrospective database studies) required clinical depression diagnosis. The prevalence of concurrent DIP(any type) and depression in general populations of pregnant women ranged from 0% to 1.6%(median 0.61%; 12 studies). The prevalence of depression among women with gestational diabetes ranged from 4.1% to 80%(median 14.7%; 16 studies). Many studies examined whether DIP was a risk factor for depression or depression was a risk factor for DIP. However, there was no clear consensus for either relationship. Importantly, we found limited guidance on the management of women with both DIP and depression. CONCLUSION Given the increasing prevalence of diabetes and depression, high-quality research and specific guidance for management of pregnant women with both conditions are warranted.

Prevention of macrovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Review of cardiovascular safety and efficacy of newer diabetes medications

Lack of conclusive beneficial effects of strict glycemic control on macrovascular complications has been very frustrating for clinicians involved in care of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Highly publicized controversy surrounding cardiovascular (CV) safety of rosiglitazone resulted in major changes in United States Food and Drug Administration policy in 2008 regarding approval process of new antidiabetic medications, which has resulted in revolutionary data from several large CV outcome trials over the last few years. All drugs in glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor classes have shown to be CV safe with heterogeneous results on CV efficacy. Given twofold higher CV disease mortality in patients with DM than without DM, GLP-1 RAs and SGLT-2-inhibitors are important additions to clinician’s armamentarium and should be second line-therapy particularly in patients with T2DM and established atherosclerotic CV disease or high risks for CV disease. Abundance of data and heterogeneity in CV outcome trials results can make it difficult for clinicians, particularly primary care physicians, to stay updated with all the recent evidence. The scope of this comprehensive review will focus on all major CV outcome studies evaluating CV safety and efficacy of GLP-1 RAs and SGLT-2 inhibitors.

Impact of maternal HBsAg carrier status on pregnancy outcomes in Duhok city, Iraq

Objective: To investigate the relationship between hepatitis B virus(HBV) positivity and pregnancy outcomes. Also, the association between HBV-related risk factors and HBV status was studied.Methods: A total of 100 HBV positive pregnant women were recruited and the pregnancy outcomes were compared with 301 HBV negative women. Blood samples were collected and tested for HBV by HBs Ag ELISA. Data were collected for recruited subjects using interview questionnaire.Results: Data analysis showed that 51/100(51%) of the HBV-positive subjects gave a history of HBV in the family which was significantly higher than that of HBV-negative patients [41/301(13.6%) P = 0.001]. A significant association was found between positive history of surgery and HBs Ag positivity(P = 0.009). Then, pregnancy outcomes were stratified according to the HBV positivity. No significant association was found between HBV status and pregnancy outcomes(P > 0.05 for all).Conclusions: Positive family history of HBV and previous surgical procedures are associated with higher rate of HBV positivity. No association is found between HBV positivity and pregnancy outcomes.

Effect of individualized nutrition interventions on clinical outcomes of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)can lead to excessive pregnancy weight gain(PWG),abnormal glucolipid metabolism,and delayed lactation.Therefore,it is necessary to provide appropriate and effective interventions for pregnant women with GDM.AIM To clarify the effects of individualized nutrition interventions on PWG,glucolipid metabolism,and lactation in pregnant women with GDM.METHODS The study population consisted of 410 pregnant women with GDM who received treatment at the Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital of Jiangsu Provinceand Yangzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital between December 2020 and December 2022,including 200 who received routine in-terventions[control(Con)group]and 210 who received individualized nutrition interventions[research(Res)group].Data on PWG,glucolipid metabolism[total cholesterol,(TC);triglycerides(TGs);fasting blood glucose(FPG);glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)],lactation time,perinatal complications(cesarean section,premature rupture of membranes,postpartum hemorrhage,and pregnancy-induced hypertension),and neonatal adverse events(premature infants,fetal macrosomia,hypo-glycemia,and respiratory distress syndrome)were collected for comparative analysis.RESULTS The data revealed markedly lower PWG in the Res group vs the Con group,as well as markedly reduced TG,TC,FPG and HbA1c levels after the intervention that were lower than those in the Con group.In addition,obviously earlier lactation and statistically lower incidences of perinatal complications and neonatal adverse events were observed in the Res group.CONCLUSION Individualized nutrition interventions can reduce PWG in pregnant women with GDM,improve their glucolipid metabolism,and promote early lactation,which deserves clinical promotion.

Osteoprotegerin,interleukin and hepatocyte growth factor for prediction of diabetes and hypertension in the third trimester of pregnancy

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)raises the risk of high blood pressure and may cause a series of life-threatening complications in pregnant women.Screening and management of GDM and gestational hypertension(GH)in pregnancy helps to control and reduce these risks and prevent adverse effects on mothers and their fetuses.Currently,the majority criteria used for screening of diabetes mellitus is oral glucose tolerance tests,and blood pressure test is usually used for the screening and diagnosis of hypertension.However,these criteria might not anticipate or detect all GDM or GH cases.Therefore,new specific predictive and diagnostic tools should be evaluated for this population.This study selected three biomarkers of osteoprotegerin(OPG),interleukin(IL)and hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)for GDM and GH predication and diagnosis.AIM To explore the feasibility of changes in placental and serum OPG,IL and HGF as tools for prediction and diagnosis of diabetes and hypertension in pregnant women.METHODS From January 2018 to January 2019,44 pregnant women with GDM and GH were selected as an observation group,and 44 healthy pregnant women were selected as a control group in the same period.Serum OPG,IL and HGF were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The levels of OPG and HGF in the observation group were lower than in the control group,and the level of IL-1βwas higher in the observation group than in the control group(all P<0.05).Furthermore,OPG and HGF were negatively associated with gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension,while IL-1βwas positively associated with GDM complicated with GH(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION The evaluation of serum OPG,HGF and IL-1βlevels in patients with coexistent gestational diabetes complicated with hypertension can predict the degree of disease and play an important role in the follow-up treatment and prognosis prediction.

Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Puerto Rico: A Study from 2016 to 2021

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a temporary form of insulin resistance during pregnancy and is linked to adverse outcomes for both mothers and offspring. Maternal risks include an increased prevalence of pre-eclampsia, cesarean delivery, and the development of type 2 diabetes within five to ten years post-delivery. For offspring, exposure to elevated maternal glucose levels is associated with macrosomia. A significant challenge in evaluating the prevalence of GDM in Puerto Rico is the lack of recent research quantifying this condition in pregnant women living in Puerto Rico. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus from 2016 to 2021 by analyzing data collected by Puerto Rico’s Department of Health. Methods: We obtained publicly accessible data from the Division of Children, Mothers, and Adolescents from Puerto Rico’s Department of Health to estimate the prevalence of GDM across the island. Additionally, we correlated the prevalence with socioeconomic, educational, and demographic variables using beta regression models to assess their significance. Results: The prevalence of GDM ranged from 3.2% to 4.5% for the six years studied, with an average prevalence of 3.68%. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between maternal age and educational level. Higher educational attainment was associated with a reduced risk of GDM, while increasing maternal age was linked to a higher prevalence of the condition. Conclusion: This statistical analysis provides evidence of a steady increase in the prevalence of GDM in Puerto Rico from 2016 to 2021, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance and specific interventions to mitigate risk factors.

Managing Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease during pregnancy with steroid pulse therapy:A case report

BACKGROUND High-dose steroid administration is a common initial therapeutic approach for Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease(VKH).Nonetheless,administering substantial doses of steroids to pregnant women necessitates meticulous consideration due to the potential impacts on the mother and fetus.We present a case wherein steroid pulse therapy was administered to a patient who developed VKH during the late stages of pregnancy.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 26-year-old nulliparous woman.At 33 weeks and 1 day of her pregnancy,she experienced a decline in visual acuity and noticed metamorphopsia in her left eye.Examination revealed bilateral serous retinal detachment,leading to VKH diagnosis.A collaborative effort involving the departments of ophthalmology,internal medicine,and neonatology was initiated.Steroid pulse therapy was administered at 34 weeks and 1 day of pregnancy under hospital supervision.Complications,such as threatened preterm labor and gestational diabetes,emerged,necessitating the initiation of oral ritodrine hydrochloride and insulin therapy.Then,serous retinal detachment was resolved,and visual acuity was restored.Labor pains initiated 32 days post-initiation of steroid pulse therapy(at 38 weeks and 4 days of gestation),culminating in a normal delivery.Mother and newborn experienced an uneventful puerperal course and were discharged from the hospital on the 5th day following delivery.CONCLUSION VKH management in pregnancy requires multidisciplinary coordination,emphasizing collaboration with ophthalmologists and specialists in internal medicine and neonatology.

Maternal Diabetes and Newborns: Unveiling Complications through a Retrospective Study in the Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of CHU MOHAMED VI in Oujda (Morocco)

Maternal diabetes during pregnancy carries potential risks for both the mother and the developing fetus. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the morbidity and mortality outcomes among infants born to mothers with diabetes, and to determine the key maternal and neonatal risk factors associated with these outcomes. This was a retrospective, observational study designed to provide a descriptive and analytical assessment of the data, conducted over a one-year period in the Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of CHU MED VI in Oujda, between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023. The results showed a prevalence of 11.23%. The parturients had a history of abortion, preeclampsia and intra uterine fetal death. The sex ratio was 1.81, with an average weight of 3302 g. Respiratory distress was the most common complication followed by prematurity, macrosomia and congenital malformations. Uncontrolled diabetes was associated with serious neonatal complications, as well as advanced maternal age and grand multiparity. The findings underscore the necessity of providing specialized care and close monitoring for newborns born to mothers with diabetes, along with a multidisciplinary care model to address the management of any neonatal complications that may arise.

Cardiovascular complications following medical termination of pregnancy: An updated review

BACKGROUND Around 1 million cases of medical termination of pregnancy(MTP)take place yearly in the United States of America with around 2 percent of this population developing complications.The cardiovascular(CVD)complications occurring post MTP or after stillbirth is not very well described.AIM To help the reader better understand,prepare,and manage these complications by reviewing various cardiac comorbidities seen after MTP.METHODS We performed a literature search in PubMed,Medline,RCA,and google scholar,using the search terms“abortions”or“medical/legal termination of pregnancy”and“cardiac complications”or“cardiovascular complications”.RESULTS The most common complications described in the literature following MTP were infective endocarditis(IE)(n=16),takotsubo cardiomyopathy(TTC)(n=7),arrhythmias(n=5),and sudden coronary artery dissection(SCAD)(n=4).The most common valve involved in IE was the tricuspid valve in 69%(n=10).The most observed causative organism was group B Streptococcus in 81%(n=12).The most common type of TTC was apical type in 57%(n=4).Out of five patients de veloping arrhythmia,bradycardia was the most common and was seen in 60%(3/5)of the patients.All four cases of SCAD-P type presented as acute coronary syndrome 10-14 d post termination of pregnancy with predominant involvement of the right coronary artery.Mortality was only reported following IE in 6.25%.Clinical recovery was reported consistently after optimal medical management following all these complications.CONCLUSION In conclusion,the occurrence of CVD complications following pregnancy termination is infrequently documented in the existing literature.In this review,the most common CVD complication following MTP was noted to be IE and TTC.