Utilization of International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria vs. a two-step approach to screening for gestational diabetes mellitus in Chinese women with twin pregnancies

Exploration of Serum lipid levels during twin pregnancy

Objective: This study aims to characterize changes in serum lipid levels throughout twin pregnancies and explore the relationship between lipid levels and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy (HDCP).Methods: We retrospectively studied 297 twin pregnancies of women who received regular prenatal care and delivered at the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital over a period of two years. Demographic and medical data of the participants were collected by questionnaires and medical records review. Serum lipid levels were measured in the first trimester (6-13 weeks), second trimester (24-28 weeks), and third trimester (34-37 weeks). A multivariate regression model was constructed to examine the association between lipid levels and pregnancy complications. A decision tree was used to explore the relationship between early serum lipid glucose levels and GDM and HDCP in twin pregnancies.Results: Triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels increased significantly from the first trimester to the third trimester, with the exception of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which decreased in the third trimester in twin pregnancies (p < 0.001). The levels of TC in the GDM and HDCP group were significantly elevated compared to those in the normal group in early pregnancies (p < 0.05, p < 0.05). In the second trimester, TG in the HDCP group was substantially higher than that in the normal group (p = 0.01). In the third trimester, LDL-C and HDL-C levels in the GDM group are significantly lower than that in the normal group (p < 0.05, p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, body mass index (BMI) is independently associated with GDM (odds ratio [OR] = 1.129, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.007-1.266) and HDCP(odds ratio [OR] = 1.170, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.031-1.329). The variation amplitude of HDL-C in the third trimester is related to the occurrence of GDM and HDCP(GDM:OR = 0.271, 95%CI: 0.095-0.778; HDCP: OR =0.249, 95% CI: 0.075-0.823). TG and TC levels in DCDA twins were significantly higher than that in MCDA twins in the first trimester(TG: p < 0.05, TC: p < 0.05). In the decision tree model for GDM, fasting blood glucose in the first trimester (FBG), TC, and pre-pregnancy BMI were identified as important nodes, while in the HDCP model, pre-pregnancy BMI, TC, and TG were key nodes.Conclusion: Serum lipid levels in twin pregnancies increase gradually during pregnancy. BMI is independently associated with the occurrence of GDM and HDCP. HDL-C may serve as a protective factor for GDM and HDCP. The predictive effect of early blood lipid on GDM and HDCP in twin pregnancy needs further study.

Different subtypes of gestational diabetes mellitus are associated with distinct perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies

AIMS

To determine whether different gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) subtypes are associated with distinct perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies.

MATERIALS

This retrospective cohort study enrolled women with twin pregnancies who gave birth at a tertiary hospital between January 2017 and December 2022. GDM was diagnosed by the IADPSG diagnostic criteria. Three subtypes of GDM were defined as only abnormal fasting glucose (OAFG) values, only abnormal post-load glucose (OAPG) values and abnormal combined fasting and post-load glucose (ACFPG) values. Logistic regression or generalized estimation equation models were used to test the correlation of subtypes of GDM and perinatal outcomes.

RESULTS

GDM with OAPG had a slightly higher risk for preterm delivery (PTD) at <37 gestational weeks (aOR 1.22, 95 %CI 1.01-1.47) and neonatalintensivecareunit (NICU) admission (aOR 1.31, 95 %CI 1.09-1.57). GDM with ACFPG were associated with PTD at <37 gestational weeks (aOR 1.42, 95 %CI 1.06-1.89) and PTD at <34 gestational weeks (aOR 1.65, 95 % CI 1.14-2.39). GDM with OAFG had a lower risk of being small-for-gestational age (SGA) (aOR 0.48, 95 % CI 0.26-0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Different subtypes of GDM are associated with distinct perinatal outcomes. Only abnormal fasting glucose levels may be responsible for reduced the risk of SGA neonates.

Characteristics of the oral glucose tolerance test in women with different pre-pregnancy body mass index and the effect of gestational diabetes mellitus on twin pregnancy outcomes

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the mid-pregnancy blood glucose levels of women with singleton or twin pregnancies.

METHOD

The relationship between blood glucose levels and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) was studied in women with different pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI), and the effect of GDM on twin pregnancy outcomes was analyzed. Women with twin (n = 1,985) and singleton (n = 1,985) pregnancies were categorized into underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, n = 597), normal weight (BMI: 18.5-23.9 kg/m2, n = 2,575), and overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2, n = 798) groups.

RESULTS

The incidence of GDM was 21.01% in women with twin pregnancies. Among the women with GDM in twin pregnancies, 38.37% had at least two abnormal blood glucose levels. The incidence of these parameters increased with preconception BMI, and the incidence of twin pregnancies was higher than that of singleton pregnancies (p < 0.001). In the normal weight and overweight/obese group, the oral glucose tolerance test glucose level and incidence of GDM were higher in women with twin than singleton pregnancies (p < 0.05). For twin pregnancies, the prevalence of selective fetal growth restriction was higher and anemia was lower in the GDM group than in the non-GDM group (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Therefore, a greater emphasis should be placed on BMI before conception, and well-controlled GDM does not increase adverse pregnancy outcomes for twin pregnancies.

Comparing the course and delivery outcomes of Japanese twin pregnancies with and without gestational diabetes mellitus: a single-center retrospective analysis

Singleton pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at an increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Multiple pregnancies are associated with increased risks of perinatal complications; however, the impact of GDM on maternal and neonatal outcomes in multiple pregnancies is unknown, and there are currently few reports on GDM status in twin pregnancies. This study aimed to compare the background and perinatal outcomes between Japanese twin pregnancies with and without GDM at a perinatal center in Japan. Additionally, the clinical course of GDM was investigated. In this retrospective cohort study, women with twin pregnancies underwent GDM screening at Yokohama City University Medical Center from January 2011 to December 2016. Overall, 307 twin pregnancies were divided into GDM (47 cases, 15.3%) and non-GDM (260 cases, 84.7%) groups. GDM-associated pregnancy complications, GDM status, and pregnancy outcomes were ascertained. Women with GDM were older and had a higher pre-pregnancy body mass index than those without GDM. Glycemic control was good in all patients, and there was no difference in delivery outcomes between the two groups. Gestational weight gain was lower in pregnant women with GDM (+8.0 kg) than in those without GDM (+11.8 kg), suggesting the impact of strict nutritional guidance on twin pregnancies with GDM. In conclusion, twin pregnancies with GDM did not have different delivery outcomes compared to those without GDM. To manage twin pregnancies with GDM, this study suggests that it is important to monitor patients' weight and blood glucose levels.

Perinatal outcomes among twin pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus: A nine-year retrospective cohort study

Objective

To compare the outcomes between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) vs. non-GDM twin gestations.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 2,151 twin pregnancies was performed in a tertiary hospital in Foshan, China, 2012–2020. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were compared between women with vs. without GDM using 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariable logistic models. For neonatal outcomes, generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach was used to address the intertwin correlation.

Results

Of the 2,151 participants, 472 women (21.9%) were diagnosed with GDM. Women with GDM were older and more likely to be overweight or obese, and more likely have chronic hypertension, assisted pregnancies and dichorionic twins. In the PSM cohort of 942 pregnancies, there was no statistical difference when comparing GDM twin pregnancies and non-GDM in any of the perinatal outcomes, especially in terms of preterm birth (PTB) <37 weeks (P = 0.715), large for gestational age (LGA) (P = 0.521) and neonatal respiratory distress (NRDS) (P = 0.206). In the entire cohort, no significant adjusted ORs for these outcomes were obtained from logistic regression models adjusted for confounders (aOR for PTB < 37 weeks: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.98–1.58; aOR for LGA: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.88–1.82; and aOR for NRDS, 1.05, 95% CI: 0.68–1.64).

Conclusion

Twin pregnancies with GDM and adequate prenatal care have comparable perinatal outcomes to those without.

[Effects of gestational weight on the association between serum high sensitivity C reaction protein and gestational diabetes mellitus among twin gestations: A cohort study]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between serum high sensitivity C-reaction protein (hsCRP) in early pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among twin pregnant women, and to explore the effects of the pre-pregnant body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) status on such association.

METHODS

Twin pregnant women with pre-pregnant BMI greater than or equal to 18.5 kg/m² were recruited at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Peking University Third Hospital from March 2017 to December 2020. Serum samples collected in early pregnancy were analyzed for hsCRP using particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric method. In the following visits, the information about GWG and GDM were prospectively collected in every trimester. The association effect between hsCRP tertiles and GDM were estimated using Logistic regression, and further converted into risk ratio (RR). Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test and mediation analysis were used to explore the effects of BMI and GWG status on the association.

RESULTS

Among the included 570 twin pregnant women, 31.6% deve-loped GDM, 26.1% were pre-pregnant overweight or obesity, and 49.5% with GWG out of referenced range. After adjustment for confounding factors, risk of developing GDM in twin gestations with the middle tertile and highest tertile of serum hsCRP in early pregnancy were 1.42 fold (95%CI: 1.02-1.89) and 1.54 fold (95%CI: 1.12-2.02), respectively, compared with the lowest tertile of serum hsCRP, and there existed significantly linear trend (P=0.022). Findings from mediation analysis illustrated that pre-pregnant BMI had partial mediating effect on the association, and BMI accounted for 23.84% (P < 0.001) of the increasing GDM risks with elevated hsCRP. Joint analysis with hsCRP and GWG found that those who were with GWG out of referenced range accompanied with the higher hsCRP tertiles (>1.21 mg/L) had significantly 2.31 fold increased risk according to those who were with GWG in the referenced range accompanied with the lowest hsCRP tertile (≤1.21 mg/L, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Elevated hsCRP in early pregnancy significantly increased GDM risk among twin pregnant women. The hsCRP-GDM association was dependent on GWG status, and pre-pregnant BMI had partial mediating effect on such association. It is suggested that twin pregnant women should consider systemic inflammation and gestational weight at the same time to reduce GDM risk.

Obstetric and neonatal outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus in twin pregnancies according to changes in its diagnostic criteria from National Diabetes Data Group criteria to Carpenter and Coustan criteria: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

To compare obstetric and neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with or without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) before and after changes in GDM diagnostic criteria.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of 1,764 twin pregnancies including 130 women with GDM (GDM group) and 1,634 women without GDM (non-GDM group). Patients with pregestational diabetes, unknown GDM status, and fetal death at < 24 gestational weeks were excluded. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups by two periods: period 1 (1995-2005) and period 2 (2005-2018) when National Diabetes Data Group criteria and Carpenter and Coustan criteria were used for diagnosis of GDM, respectively.

RESULTS

The incidence of GDM in twin pregnancies increased from 4.0% in period 1 to 9.3% in period 2. Composite obstetric complications rate was significantly higher in the GDM group than that in the non-GDM group during period 1 (72.0% vs. 45.5%, P = 0.009). However, it became comparable during period 2 (60.0% vs. 57.4%, P = 0.601). Interaction between GDM and period indicated a significant differential effect of GDM by period on the rate of composite obstetric complications. The rate of composite neonatal complications was similar between the two groups during both periods. The interaction between GDM and period was not significant.

CONCLUSION

After changes of GDM diagnostic criteria, the incidence of GDM increased more than twice, and the rate of composite obstetric complications decreased, but the rate of composite neonatal complications did not change significantly.

Perspectives on diagnostic strategies for HIP-dealing with the barriers and challenges: USA

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes (GDM) affects up to 7-18% of pregnant women and is associated with several maternal and perinatal morbidities. International organizations suggest several different recommendations regarding how to screen and to manage hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP).

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to analyze the most important and employed guidelines about screening and management of HIP and we investigated existing related literature.

RESULTS

We found several different criteria for screening for HIP, with the main difference being between non-USA-based IADPSG (One-step) approach, and the USA-based (Two-step) approach. The use of IADPSG approach (One-step) is associated with an increase in the incidence of GDM, improvement of several maternal and perinatal outcomes, and cost-effectiveness, compared to the USA-based Two-step criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

As the One-Step approach endorsed by IADPSG, WHO, and FIGO is associated with maternal and perinatal benefits, it should be preferred to the Two-Step approach currently endorsed by the USA-based societies such as ACOG and SMFM. The hope is to approve universal screening guidelines based on the One-step approach to improve health care and reduce costs and adverse outcomes for women with GDM.

Are women positive for the One Step but negative for the Two Step screening tests for gestational diabetes at higher risk for adverse outcomes?

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate if women meeting criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by the One Step test as per International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria but not by other less strict criteria have adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with GDM-negative controls. The primary outcome was the incidence of macrosomia, defined as birthweight > 4000 g.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Electronic databases were searched from their inception until May 2017. All studies identifying pregnant women negative at the Two Step test, but positive at the One Step test for IADPSG criteria were included. We excluded studies that randomized women to the One Step vs. the Two Step tests; studies that compared different criteria within the same screening method; randomized studies comparing treatments for GDM; and studies comparing incidence of GDM in women doing the One Step test vs. the Two Step test.

RESULTS

Eight retrospective cohort studies, including 29 983 women, were included. Five study groups and four control groups were identified. The heterogeneity between the studies was high. Gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and large for gestational age, as well as in some analyses cesarean delivery, macrosomia and preterm birth, were significantly more frequent, and small for gestational age in some analyses significantly less frequent, in women GDM-positive by the One Step, but not the Two Step.

CONCLUSION

Women meeting criteria for GDM by IADPSG criteria but not by other less strict criteria have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and large for gestational age, compared with GDM-negative controls. Based on these findings, and evidence from other studies that treatment decreases these adverse outcomes, we suggest screening for GDM using the One Step IADPSG criteria.

Analysis of the main risk factors for gestational diabetes diagnosed with International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria in multiple pregnancies

INTRODUCTION

The aim is to investigate the proportion of multiple pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed using the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria and to identify the impact of age, body mass index (BMI), and mode of conception on incidence of GDM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a single center, retrospective cohort study on 656 multiple pregnancies screened for GDM with 75-g, 2-h oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 weeks of gestation, between January 2010 and January 2016. The diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was reached through the IADPSG.

RESULTS

The incidence of GDM in our population was 15.1%. When patients who conceived through heterologous assisted reproduction technology were compared with those who conceived spontaneously, there was a significant difference for GDM (31.1 vs 13.6%, p < 0.001, OR 2.86). A similar finding was also observed comparing egg donation IVF/ICSI patients with homologous IVF/ICSI patients (31.1 vs 14.8%, p = 0.006, OR 2.59). Incidence of GDM was significantly higher in obese than in non-obese patients (42.5 vs 14.8%, p < 0.001, OR 4.88) and in women over 35 compared to younger patients (18.4 vs 11.1%, p = 0.01, OR 1.81). Logistic regression comparing the diabetes onset with conception mode gave a p = 0.07. The calculation of the Chi-square and odds ratio for single mode of conception showed that homologous vs conceived spontaneously p = 0.90, OR 0.97, heterologous vs homologous p = 0.01 with OR 2.46, and heterologous vs conceived spontaneously p = 0.01 with OR 2.39. Logistic regression showed that age and BMI are risk factors for developing GDM, respectively, p = 0.03 with OR 1.4 and p < 0.01 and OR 1.09.

DISCUSSION

The contribution our study can make is improved counseling about GDM risks for couples with multiple pregnancies. Our data support the role of age, BMI, and mode of conception as risk factors for GDM in multiple pregnancies.

Scientific Evidence for Different Options for GDM Screening and Management: Controversies and Review of the Literature

Background. Gestational diabetes (GDM) affects up to 7% of pregnant women and is associated with several maternal and perinatal morbidities. International organizations suggest several different recommendations regarding how to screen and to manage GDM. Objective. We aimed to analyze the most important and employed guidelines about screening and management of GDM and we investigated existing related literature. Results. We found several different criteria for screening for GDM, for monitoring GDM, and for starting pharmacological therapy. When using IADPSG criteria, GDM rate increased, perinatal outcomes improved, and screening became cost-effective. Compared to no treatment, treatment of women meeting criteria for GDM by IADPSG criteria but not by other less strict criteria has limited evidence for an effect on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Twin pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus: a single centre cohort study

AIMS

In women with a twin pregnancy, to determine the incidence of, risk factors for and outcomes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus, and assess how these have changed with a change in gestational diabetes screening.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of women with a twin pregnancy attending an Australian tertiary hospital, 2002-2013. Information on gestational diabetes status, gestational diabetes risk factors and pregnancy outcomes was ascertained. Pregnancy outcomes included hypertensive disorders, twin birthweight centile and a composite adverse pregnancy outcome. Analysis was stratified pre/post screening protocol change (epoch 1: 2002-2009, epoch 2: 2010-2013) and by gestational diabetes status.

RESULTS

Gestational diabetes was diagnosed in 86/982 (8.8%) women, increasing from 4.4% to 14.7% between epochs (P = 0.0001). The proportion of women with hypertensive disorders increased (11.7% vs. 13.4%, P = 0.009), but the proportion of infant's birthweight > 90th centile decreased (11.0% vs. 7.6%, P = 0.02) between epochs. Overall, 33.6% of women had ≥ 1 risk factors for gestational diabetes. Three-quarters (73.7%) of women overall had an adverse pregnancy outcome, with a slightly higher proportion in women with gestational diabetes compared with those with no gestational diabetes (79.7% vs. 73.1%, P = 0.06). The rate of the adverse pregnancy outcome did not change by epoch, after adjusting for maternal and pregnancy risk factors (adjusted odds ratio = 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.73-1.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Almost 1 in 10 women with a twin pregnancy were diagnosed with gestational diabetes, with the incidence of gestational diabetes increasing threefold with a new screening protocol. The pregnancy outcomes of women with a twin pregnancy did not change with increased detection and treatment for gestational diabetes.