Association between neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and hypoglycemia in Chinese women with diabetes in pregnancy and influence factors

Causal relationship between citrate and gestational diabetes mellitus: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis

BACKGROUND

Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disease during pregnancy, mainly manifested as impaired glucose tolerance in the middle and late stages of pregnancy. As a key intermediate product in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, citrate has been widely recognized for its role in regulating blood glucose levels. However, the potential association between citrate and impaired glucose tolerance during pregnancy needs further research, The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between citrate levels in the human body and the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus.

METHOD

This study adopts a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach, using genetic variants of citrate as instrumental variables, to investigate the causal relationship between citrate and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The research data is derived from the OpenGWAS and FinnGen databases, with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to citrate levels and the incidence of GDM selected as analytical tools. Citrate is designated as the exposure factor, and GDM as the outcome variable. Comprehensive assessments of the causal relationship between the instrumental variables and GDM are conducted using methods such as Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW), MR Egger, Simple Mode, Weighted Median, and Weighted Mode. Additionally, Cochran's Q and I^2 statistics are utilized to evaluate heterogeneity, with visualization provided through funnel plots. To test the robustness of the results, a leave-one-out sensitivity analysis method is employed. Furthermore, the potential pleiotropy in this study is detected using MR Egger.

RESULT

In this study, a total of 6 SNPs related to citrate were included. The MR causal analysis revealed that the relevant genes of citrate had a significant impact on gestational diabetes mellitus in both the Inverse Variance Weighted method (OR = 0.170, 95% CI: 0.032 to 0.896, p = 0.037) and the Weighted Median method (OR = 0.116, 95% CI: 0.016 to 0.844, p = 0.033). The tests for heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and sensitivity used in this experiment all indicated that there were no special interfering factors in this experiment.

CONCLUSION

This study found that there is a negative correlation between the level of citrate in pregnant women and gestational diabetes mellitus.

Prevalence of prolonged transitional neonatal hypoglycemia and associated factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Most neonates experience transient hypoglycemia, which typically responds well to treatment and is associated with a favorable prognosis. However, hypoglycemia persisting beyond 48 hours, termed prolonged transitional Neonatal hypoglycemia (PTNHG), can result in abrupt neuronal injury and long-term neurodevelopmental impairments. Identifying its prevalence and associated risk factors is critical to inform clinical practices and improve neonatal outcomes.

METHODS

A weighted inverse-variance random-effects model was employed for the analysis. Heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using a forest plot, I2 statistics, and Egger's test. Data extraction was conducted from May 20 to May 27, 2023, for studies published since 2020. A random blood sugar (RBS) concentration of <47 mg/dL measured 48-72 hours after birth was used to define PTNHG. Eight studies comprising a total of 3686 neonates were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

The pooled prevalence of PTNHG was 19.71% (95% CI: 16.85-22.56) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 79.20%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that PTNHG prevalence was similar for studies with sample sizes >400 and ≤400, at 18% (95% CI: 15-22) and 21% (95% CI: 17-26), respectively. Similarly, prevalence estimates were comparable when using RBS thresholds of <47 mg/dL (21%; 95% CI: 16-27) and <40 mg/dL (18%; 95% CI: 15-22). Significant factors associated with PTNHG included preterm birth (AOR = 3.31; 95% CI: 2.57-4.04), hypothermia (AOR = 3.41; 95% CI: 2.19-4.62), being an infant of a diabetic mother (IDM) (AOR = 4.71; 95% CI: 2.15-7.26), delayed breastfeeding initiation beyond one hour (AOR = 3.26; 95% CI: 2.03-4.49), and pathological jaundice (AOR = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.91-2.84).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly one-fifth of hospitalized neonates experienced PTNHG. Fortunately, most of the associated risk factors were modifiable. Prioritizing early breastfeeding initiation, particularly in cesarean section deliveries and IDM cases, and integrating PTNHG management into national NICU guidelines could significantly reduce the burden of neonatal hypoglycemia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Prospero ID: CRD42023424953. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023424953.

Causal association between pregnancy disorders and neonatal jaundice: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Background

Some studies have suggested that complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, leiomyoma during pregnancy, oxytocin induction, and mode of delivery, may be risk factors for neonatal jaundice. Herein, we applied Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate a causal association between pregnancy disorders and neonatal jaundice.

Methods

Data related to neonatal jaundice and pregnancy disorders (including pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and gestational edema) were sourced from the FinnGen Consortium and Integrated Epidemiology Unit (IEU) databases. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was used as a main approach for data analysis, while MR-Egger, weighted median (WM), and weighted mode methods were used to validate the robustness of the results. MR-Egger regression method was applied to explore the presence of horizontal pleiotropy. MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) method was used to detect potential outliers. Cochran's Q test was used to assess heterogeneity among instrumental variables (IVs); leave-one-out (LOO) analyses were used to evaluate the presence of predominant IVs.

Results

The IVW approach showed that pre-eclampsia or eclampsia {odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.86 (0.36-2.07), P=0.73}, gestational edema and proteinuria [OR (95% CI): 1.04 (0.62-1.74), P=0.87], and gestational diabetes mellitus [OR (95% CI): 0.95 (0.60-1.49), P=0.81] were not associated with neonatal jaundice. The MR-Egger regression results showed that horizontal pleiotropy did not affect the relationship between exposure factors and outcomes. Also, no heterogeneity was observed. The MR-PRESSO analysis showed no outliers, confirming that these data were robust.

Conclusions

Our data suggested no genetic causal association between pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, gestational edema, proteinuria, gestational diabetes mellitus, and neonatal jaundice. However, further research is needed to determine if these results apply to other races.

Time in range and mean glucose cut-off points for reduction of fetal outcomes in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes using automated insulin delivery systems

AIM

In pregnant women with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), achieving a lower recommended time in range (TIRp,63-140 mg/dl) could have an impact on fetal outcomes. To determine the TIRp and mean glucose cut-off point associated with better fetal outcomes in pregnant women using automated insulin delivery (AID) systems.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of pregnant women with T1D, using AID systems and followed-up in Latin America was analyzed. Optimal TIRp and mean glucose cut-off points for predicting large for gestational age (LGA) were determined using the Liu method. Fetal outcomes were evaluated for the identified cut-off point and the one recommended by guidelines (TIRp > 70 %).

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients were included (mean age 31.9 ± 5.9 years, HbA1c 7.57 %±1.29 %, TIRp 59.8 %±14.6 %). 27.5 % on advanced hybrid closed loop systems (AHCL). LGA (50 vs 17.9 %,p = 0.010) and hyperbilirubinemia (45 % vs 11.8 %,p = 0.016) were more common in patients with TIRp < 59.1 %. Optimal cut-off of TIRp in the second trimester for predicting LGA was < 59.1 % (sensitivity 75 %, specificity 61 %) with an AUC of 0.68(CI 0.48-0.88). Optimal cut-off for mean glucose was 133 mg/dL (sensitivity 69 %, specificity 70 %) with an AUC of 0.70(CI 0.51-0.88) in the same trimester. Better metabolic control during the third trimester was seen in the AHCL users compared to other devices.

CONCLUSIONS

TIRp > 59.1 % and mean glucose < 133 mg/dl in the second trimester, is associated with lower fetal outcomes of large for gestational age. One of the strategies that would improve TIRp is the early use of AHCL systems. Further studies are needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

Experiences and self-care of pregnant nurses with gestational diabetes mellitus: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Pregnant nurses are at high risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and nurses diagnosed with GDM face challenges in balancing disease management and work, which affects maternal and child health and the quality of care. GDM requires significant changes to lifestyle and physical activity to control blood glucose levels, which is key to reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, few studies have focused on the experiences of pregnant nurses with GDM. This study aimed to gain insight into the experiences of pregnant nurses with GDM in China in terms of their illness, work burdens, and self-care.

METHODS

This qualitative study used an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with pregnant nurses with GDM to investigate their experiences and self-care. The study was performed at Chongqing's maternal and child health hospital in China. A purposive sampling was used. Nine pregnant nurses diagnosed with GDM were recruited and interviewed.

RESULTS

The interview data generated four themes and 11 sub-themes. The four themes were 'the perceptions and feelings of GDM', 'experiences of lifestyle changes', 'social support needs', and 'health expectations and risk perception.'

CONCLUSION

Many factors such as the unique occupational environment, overwork, occupational pressure, shift work, family status, and education level may lead to difficulties in managing blood glucose in nurses with GDM. These findings suggest that managers should pay more attention to nurses with GDM and develop personalized medical care and work arrangements. These measures can improve the self-care and well-being of nurses with GDM and promote the health of nurses and their offspring.

The correlation between serum total bile acid and alanine aminotransferase of pregnant women and the disorders of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia-related amino acid metabolism

BACKGROUND

To explore the association between liver metabolism-related indicators in maternal serum and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NHB), and further investigate the predictive value of these indicators in NHB-related amino acid metabolism disorders.

METHODS

51 NHB and 182 No-NHB newborns and their mothers who treated in the Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang from 2018 to 2022 were participated in the study. The differences in clinical data were compared by the Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between maternal serum indicators and the occurrence of NHB. The correlation analysis and risk factor assessment of maternal serum indicators with NHB-related amino acid metabolic disorders were performed using Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Compared to the non NHB group, the NHB group had higher maternal serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALT/AST, and total bile acid (TBA), while lower levels of serum albumin (ALB), total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The levels of alanine (ALA), valine (VAL), ornithine (ORN), and proline (PRO) in the newborns were reduced in NHB group, while arginine (ARG) showed a tendency to be elevated. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that maternal ALT, AST, ALT/AST, and TBA levels were all at higher risk with the development of NHB, whereas ALB, TC, and HDL levels were negatively associated with NHB development. Increasing maternal TBA level was associated with lower ALA (r=-0.167, p = 0.011), VAL (r=-0.214, p = 0.001), ORN (r=-0.196, p = 0.003), and PRO in the newborns (r=-0.131, p = 0.045). Maternal ALT level was negatively associated with ALA (r=-0.135, p = 0.039), VAL (r=-0.177, p = 0.007), ORN (r=-0.257, p < 0.001), while ALT/AST was positively correlated with ARG (r = 0.133, p = 0.013). After adjustment for confounding factors, maternal serum TBA and ALT were the independent risk factor for neonatal ORN metabolic disorders [(adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.379, 95%CI = 0.188-0.762, p = 0.006), (AOR = 0.441, 95%CI = 0.211-0.922, p = 0.030)]. Maternal ALT level was an independent risk factor for neonatal VAL metabolic disorders (AOR = 0.454, 95%CI = 0.218-0.949, p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

The levels of high TBA, ALT, AST, and low HDL, TC of maternal were associated with the risk of NHB. Maternal TBA and ALT levels were independent risk factors for NHB-related amino acid disturbances which have value as predictive makers.

Role of liver parameters in diabetes mellitus - a narrative review

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by hyperglycemia and abnormalities in insulin secretion and function. This review article focuses on various liver parameters, including albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alpha fetoprotein (AFP), alpha 1 antitrypsin (AAT), ammonia, bilirubin, bile acid, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), immunoglobulin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total protein. These parameters play significant roles in the development of different types of diabetes such as type 1 diabetes (T1DM), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and gestational diabetes (GDM). The article highlights that low albumin levels may indicate inflammation, while increased ALT and AST levels are associated with liver inflammation or injury, particularly in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Elevated ALP levels can be influenced by liver inflammation, biliary dysfunction, or bone metabolism changes. High bilirubin levels are independently linked to albuminuria in T1DM and an increased risk of T2DM. Elevated GGT levels are proposed as markers of oxidative stress and liver dysfunction in T2DM. In GDM, decreased serum AFP levels may indicate impaired embryo growth. Decreased AFP levels in T2DM can hinder the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hyperammonemia can cause encephalopathy in diabetic ketoacidosis, and children with T1DM and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often exhibit higher ammonia levels. T2DM disrupts the regulation of nitrogen-related metabolites, leading to increased blood ammonia levels. Bile acids affect glucose regulation by activating receptors on cell surfaces and nuclei, and changes in bile acid metabolism are observed in T2DM. Increased LDH activity reflects metabolic disturbances in glucose utilization and lactate production, contributing to diabetic complications. Poor glycemic management may be associated with elevated levels of IgA and IgG serum antibodies, and increased immunoglobulin levels are also associated with T2DM.