Diagnosis and management of patients with significantly abnormal glycaemic profiles during pregnancy after bariatric surgery: PRESAGE (Pregnancy with significantly abnormal glycaemic exposure - bariatric patients)

COVID-19 pandemic: Can fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c replace the oral glucose tolerance test to screen for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy?

AIMS

To evaluate proposals considering HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) measurement as a substitute for oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to diagnose hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP) during COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Of the 7,334 women who underwent the OGTT between 22 and 30 weeks gestation, 966 had HIP (WHO diagnostic criteria, reference standard). The 467 women who had an available HbA1c were used for analysis. French-speaking Society of Diabetes (SFD) proposal to diagnose HIP during COVID-19 pandemic was retrospectively applied: HbA1c ≥5.7% (39 mmol/mol) and/or FPG level ≥5.1 mmol/l. SFD proposal sensitivity for HIP diagnosis and the occurrence of HIP-related events (preeclampsia, large for gestational age infant, shoulder dystocia or neonatal hypoglycaemia) in women with false negative (FN) and true positive (TP) HIP-diagnoses were evaluated.

RESULTS

The sensitivity was 57% [95% confidence interval 52-62]. FN women had globally lower plasma glucose levels during OGTT, lower HbA1c and body mass index than those TP. The percentage of HIP-related events was similar in FN (who were cared) and TP cases, respectively 19.5 and 16.9% (p = 0.48). We observed similar results when women at high risk for HIP only were considered.

CONCLUSION

The SFD proposal has a poor sensitivity to detect HIP. Furthermore, it fails to have any advantages in predicting adverse outcomes.

A Prospective Study of Association of Micronutrients Deficiencies during Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcome among Women after Bariatric Surgery

Little is known about the association of micronutrients deficiencies during pregnancy and neonatal outcome among women after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG). We present a prospective study of 87 consecutive women with a history of RYGB (n = 37) or SG (n = 50) who underwent complete and regular clinical and biological nutritional assessments during pregnancy. Data on maternal characteristics, biological nutritional parameters, antenatal management, and perinatal outcome were collected. The objective was to evaluate serum levels of micronutrients at the second trimester, and to assess the association between micronutrients deficiencies and neonatal outcome. After RYGB, maternal age (34.3 ± 4.9 vs. 31.1 ± 4.6 years; p = 0.003) and pregnancy timing after surgery (64.5 ± 47.0 vs. 38.1 ± 28.1 months; p = 0.002) were significantly higher, and pre-pregnancy BMI was significantly lower (29.8 ± 5.6 vs. 32.9 ± 7.1 kg/m²; p = 0.03). Maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar. Additional supplementations after blood tests were similar in groups. Zinc, selenium, vitamins A1, B1, B6, C, and E levels were not different depending on the type of surgery. Zinc deficiency (7/87) was significantly more frequent after RYGP (18.9% vs. 0%; p = 0.02) and selenium deficiency (15/87) was similar in groups (21.6% after RYGB and 14.0% after SG; p = 0.36). The mean birth weight was significantly lower in selenium deficiency cases (3137 ± 550 vs. 3535 ± 737 g; p = 0.04). Selenium deficiency was negatively correlated with birth weight (r = −0.23; p = 0.03) and with birth weight z-score (r = −0.26; p = 0.01), but not correlated after adjustment for the procedure. The levels of micronutrients surveillance along pregnancy in women with a history of bariatric surgery is necessary to decrease the risk of inadequate fetal growth in the patients.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Childbearing Female Candidates for Bariatric Surgery, Pregnancy, and Post-partum Management After Bariatric Surgery

Emerging evidence suggests that bariatric surgery improves pregnancy outcomes of women with obesity by reducing the rates of gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and macrosomia. However, it is associated with an increased risk of a small-for-gestational-age fetus and prematurity. Based on the work of a multidisciplinary task force, we propose clinical practice recommendations for pregnancy management following bariatric surgery. They are derived from a comprehensive review of the literature, existing guidelines, and expert opinion covering the preferred type of surgery for women of childbearing age, timing between surgery and pregnancy, contraception, systematic nutritional support and management of nutritional deficiencies, screening and management of gestational diabetes, weight gain during pregnancy, gastric banding management, surgical emergencies, obstetrical management, and specific care in the postpartum period and for newborns.

[Which management of pregnancy after bariatric surgery?]

Obesity represents a major public health issue and a potential threat for people health. Moreover, the incidence of obesity has been increasing and therefore, the incidence of women with an history of bariatric surgery with a pregnancy desire has been also increased. Although the weight loss after bariatric surgery has positive effects on pregnancy outcomes, these surgical procedures may be associated with adverse outcomes as well, for example micronutrient deficiencies, dumping syndrome, surgical complications such as internal hernias, and obstetrical complications such as small for gestational age as instance. Nevertheless, physician knowledge about pregnancy management after bariatric surgery is currently insufficient and a multidisciplinary approach is therefore mandatory. The aim of this article is to provide to readers general and recent data regarding the management of pregnancy after bariatric surgery.

Pregnancy after bariatric surgery: Consensus recommendations for periconception, antenatal and postnatal care

The objective of the study is to provide evidence-based guidance on nutritional management and optimal care for pregnancy after bariatric surgery. A consensus meeting of international and multidisciplinary experts was held to identify relevant research questions in relation to pregnancy after bariatric surgery. A systematic search of available literature was performed, and the ADAPTE protocol for guideline development followed. All available evidence was graded and further discussed during group meetings to formulate recommendations. Where evidence of sufficient quality was lacking, the group made consensus recommendations based on expert clinical experience. The main outcome measures are timing of pregnancy, contraceptive choice, nutritional advice and supplementation, clinical follow-up of pregnancy, and breastfeeding. We provide recommendations for periconception, antenatal, and postnatal care for women following surgery. These recommendations are summarized in a table and print-friendly format. Women of reproductive age with a history of bariatric surgery should receive specialized care regarding their reproductive health. Many recommendations are not supported by high-quality evidence and warrant further research. These areas are highlighted in the paper.