High probability of false-positive gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosis during early pregnancy

Maternal birth weight as an indicator of early and late gestational diabetes mellitus: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the association of maternal birth weight (MBW) with early and late gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

A total of 69318 pregnant Japanese women were included in this birth cohort study. The associations between maternal birth weight and early gestational diabetes mellitus (diagnosed at <24 gestational weeks) and late GDM (diagnosed at ≥24 gestational weeks) were investigated using a multinomial logistic regression model, with an maternal birth weight of 3000-3499 g as the reference category.

RESULTS

Lower maternal birth weight was associated with higher odds of developing early and late gestational diabetes mellitus (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for early gestational diabetes mellitus in participants with a MBW of <2500 g and 2500-2999 g were 1.345 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.912-1.984) and 1.338 (95% CI: 1.098-1.629), respectively. The aORs for late gestational diabetes mellitus in participants with a MBW of <2500 g and 2500-2999 g were, 1.657 (95% CI: 1.298-2.115) and 1.218 (95% CI: 1.058-1.402), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of the gestational age when gestational diabetes mellitus was diagnosed, a lower maternal birth weight was associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, the association of a MBW <2500 g with late gestational diabetes mellitus tended to be stronger than that with early gestational diabetes mellitus.

Use of the Japanese gestational diabetes mellitus diagnostic strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: A questionnaire survey

AIM

Some concerns exist that diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may be missed when the simplified diagnostic criteria of the Japanese Society of Diabetes and Pregnancy (JSDP) for GDM (published during the COVID-19 pandemic) are used. Moreover, limited data is available regarding how widespread these diagnostic criteria are used when managing GDM during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study aimed to determine how GDM diagnosis has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.

METHODS

The changes in GDM diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic were investigated using an online questionnaire to 2159 obstetric facilities in Japan. The questionnaire collected data on facility type, awareness of Japanese GDM diagnostic strategies, modifications to diagnostic methods for early and late GDM, and opinions on GDM management, with the pandemic divided into seven periods.

RESULTS

We received responses from 593 facilities (27%). Approximately 90% of the facilities did not change their diagnostic process for early GDM or late GDM (occurring after 24 weeks gestation). However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, 19 facilities discontinued the use of 75-g oral glucose tolerance tests before 24 weeks of gestation, and 17 facilities discontinued it after 24 weeks of gestation, instead using the aforementioned Japanese GDM diagnostic strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a limited number of facilities modified their diagnostic method in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this study demonstrated that those that adjusted their diagnostic method primarily used the Japanese COVID-19 GDM strategy by the JSDP.

Patients with gestational diabetes mellitus may be treated in both early and late pregnancy, especially in patients with pre-pregnancy overweight: A cross-sectional study in Japan

The significance of diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in early pregnancy is controversial. We used the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria to investigate whether clinical background and neonatal outcomes differ depending on when GDM is diagnosed in early or late pregnancy. This was a single-center, observational study conducted between November 2012 and March 2020 at St. Marianna University Hospital (Kawasaki, Japan). We compared the background and perinatal outcomes of patients with GDM depending on the time of diagnosis (at < 24 gestational weeks or ≥ 24 weeks). Insulin sensitivity index, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and β-cell function were calculated from a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Stratified analysis was performed by pre-pregnancy BMI in patients with early GDM. As a result, in the 507 patients, 89.9% gave birth at our hospital. The pre-pregnancy BMI was significantly higher in patients with early GDM than in those with late GDM (the median [interquartile range], 22.7 [20.3, 26.3] and 21.5 [19.3, 23.8] kg/m2, respectively; p = 0.001). Perinatal outcomes were not different between the two groups. However, in the subgroup analysis of patients with early GDM, the prevalence of large-for-gestational-age infants was significantly higher in the group with overweight (15.4% vs 2.1%, respectively; p = 0.008). In conclusion, patients with GDM using the IADPSG criteria in early pregnancy may be treated, especially in patients with pre-pregnancy overweight.

Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of WHO 2013 criteria for diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus in low risk early pregnancies: international, prospective, multicentre cohort study

Objective

To evaluate the predictability of gestational diabetes mellitus wth a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in early pregnancy, based on the 2013 criteria of the World Health Organization, and to test newly proposed cut-off values.

Design

International, prospective, multicentre cohort study.

Setting

Six university or cantonal departments in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, from 1 May 2016 to 31 January 2019.

Participants

Low risk cohort of 829 participants aged 18-45 years with singleton pregnancies attending first trimester screening and consenting to have an early 75 g OGTT at 12-15 weeks of gestation. Participants and healthcare providers were blinded to the results.

Main outcome measures

Fasting, one hour, and two hour plasma glucose concentrations after an early 75 g OGTT (12-15 weeks of gestation) and a late 75 g OGTT (24-28 weeks of gestation).

Results

Of 636 participants, 74 (12%) developed gestational diabetes mellitus, according to World Health Organization 2013 criteria, at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Applying WHO 2013 criteria to the early OGTT with at least one abnormal value gave a low sensitivity of 0.35 (95% confidence interval 0.24 to 0.47), high specificity of 0.96 (0.95 to 0.98), positive predictive value of 0.57 (0.41 to 0.71), negative predictive value of 0.92 (0.89 to 0.94), positive likelihood ratio of 10.46 (6.21 to 17.63), negative likelihood ratio of 0.65 (0.55 to 0.78), and diagnostic odds ratio of 15.98 (8.38 to 30.47). Lowering the postload glucose values (75 g OGTT cut-off values of 5.1, 8.9, and 7.8 mmol/L) improved the detection rate (53%, 95% confidence interval 41% to 64%) and negative predictive value (0.94, 0.91 to 0.95), but decreased the specificity (0.91, 0.88 to 0.93) and positive predictive value (0.42, 0.32 to 0.53) at a false positive rate of 9% (positive likelihood ratio 5.59, 4.0 to 7.81; negative likelihood ratio 0.64, 0.52 to 0.77; and diagnostic odds ratio 10.07, 6.26 to 18.31).

Conclusions

The results of this prospective low risk cohort study indicated that the 75 g OGTT as a screening tool in early pregnancy is not sensitive enough when applying WHO 2013 criteria. Postload glucose values were higher in early pregnancy complicated by diabetes in pregnancy. Lowering the postload cut-off values identified a high risk group for later development of gestational diabetes mellitus or those who might benefit from earlier treatment. Results from randomised controlled trials showing a beneficial effect of early intervention are unclear.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02035059.

Non-efficacy of early intervention strategy for non-obese patients with early-onset gestational diabetes mellitus: solely based on the short-term outcomes

INTRODUCTION

To verify the effectiveness of intervention in early pregnancy for women with early-onset gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study included women with a singleton pregnancy who were diagnosed with early-onset GDM by 20 weeks of gestation according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) threshold. We retrospectively evaluated the pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with early-onset GDM. In the treatment from early pregnancy group (n=286), patients were diagnosed with early-onset GDM at the Yokohama City University Medical Center (YCU-MC) in 2015-2017 and were treated for GDM from early pregnancy. Concerning the treatment from mid-pregnancy group (n=248), participants were diagnosed with early-onset GDM at five sites, including the YCU-MC in 2018-2019, and were followed up without treatment until the second 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Treatment for GDM was given only if the GDM pattern was still present in the second OGTT.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in maternal backgrounds, including GDM risk factors and gestational weight gain, between the groups. Among the treatment from mid-pregnancy group, the false-positive early GDM was 124/248 (50%). Regarding pregnancy outcome, the rate of large for gestational age (LGA) was 8.8% in the treatment from early pregnancy group and 10% in the treatment from mid-pregnancy group, with no significant difference, whereas small for gestational age (SGA) was significantly higher in the treatment from early pregnancy group (9.4%) than in the treatment from mid-pregnancy group (4.8%) (p=0.046). There were no significant differences in maternal adverse events and neonatal outcomes between the groups. In a subanalysis limited to body mass index >25 kg/m², LGA was significantly lower in the treatment from early pregnancy group than in the treatment from mid-pregnancy group.

CONCLUSIONS

The strategy for diagnosing GDM by IADPSG thresholds in early pregnancy and providing treatment to all patients from early pregnancy did not improve the pregnancy outcomes, but rather increased the SGA rate.

Combining HbA1c and insulin resistance to assess the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk.

METHODS

Data for this study were from a prospective cohort in Hangzhou, China. We included pregnant women with HbA1c, fasting insulin, and fasting glucose (FG) measured at 15-20 weeks of gestation and underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24-28 weeks. Based on HbA1c and HOMA-IR, participants were divided into four groups. We estimated the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to assess the associations of HbA1c and HOMA-IR with GDM occurrence. Finally, we the potential additive interaction between HbA1c and HOMA-IR by calculating relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and the attributable proportion due to interaction (AP).

RESULT

462 pregnant women were included, of whom 136 (29.44%) developed GDM. Based on HbA1c and HOMA-IR, the study population was divided into four groups, with the percentages of each group being 51.30%, 15.58%, 20.56%, and 12.55%, respectively. The incidence of GDM increased with the increase of HOMA-IR and HbA1c, respectively, and the risk of GDM was significantly increased when both HOMA-IR and HbA1c were elevated. However, no such risk was observed in pregnant women < 35 years. Finally, we found significantly higher FG at 24-28 weeks in the high HOMA-IR and HbA1c group among GDM-positive pregnant women.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of GDM increased with increasing HbA1c and HOMA-IR, and the risk of GDM was significantly increased when both HbA1c and HOMA-IR were elevated. This finding may help to identify high-risk women for GDM early in pregnancy and provide timely interventions.

A Prediction Model of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Based on OGTT in Early Pregnancy: A Prospective Cohort Study

CONTEXT

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common obstetric complication. Although early intervention could prevent the development of GDM, there was no consensus on early identification for women at high risk of GDM.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a reliable prediction model of GDM in early pregnancy.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, between 30 May 2021 and 13 August 2022, a total of 721 women were included at Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Participants were asked to complete oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during gestational week 7-14 for early prediction of GDM, and at week 24-28 for GDM diagnosis. Using OGTT results and baseline characteristics, logistic regression analysis was used to construct the prediction model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, decision clinical analysis, and a nomogram were used for model performances assessment and visualization. Internal and external validation was performed to testify the stability of this model.

RESULTS

According to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria in early OGTT, the mean (SD) age was 30.5 ± 3.7 in low-risk participants and 31.0 ± 3.9 in high-risk participants. The area under ROC curve (AUC) of the existing criteria at week 7-14 varied from 0.705 to 0.724. Based on maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, and results of early OGTT, the AUC of our prediction model was 0.8720, which was validated by both internal (AUC 0.8541) and external (AUC 0.8241) validation.

CONCLUSIONS

The existing diagnostic criteria were unsatisfactory for early prediction of GDM. By combining early OGTT, we provided an effective prediction model of GDM in the first trimester.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring System Profile of Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Missed Using Isolated Fasting Plasma Glucose-Based Strategies Alternative to WHO 2013 Criteria: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to evaluate the differences in the continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS)-based glycemic parameters between women with normoglycemia and early gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) identified on the basis of mild fasting plasma glucose elevation (FPG, 5.1-5.5 mmol/L) and/or post-load plasma glucose elevation (PLG, 1-h ≥ 10.0 mmol/L or 2-h ≥ 8.5 mmol/L).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included women with singleton pregnancy (8⁺⁰ to 19⁺⁶ weeks of gestation) and normoglycemia or GDM per World Health Organization (WHO) 2013 criteria. We evaluated the glycemic parameters of clinical interest using blinded CGMS evaluation and reported them per standard methodology proposed by Hernandez et al. RESULTS: A total of 87 women (GDM, n = 38) were enrolled at 28.6 ± 4.5 years. Among women with GDM, 10 (26.3%) had isolated mild FPG elevation (5.1-5.5 mmol/L), 10 (26.3%) had isolated PLG elevation (1-h ≥ 10.0 mmol/L or 2-h ≥ 8.5 mmol/L), and 7 (18.4%) had a combination of both. The remaining 11 (28.9%) had elevated FPG (≥ 5.6 mmol/L) with or without PLG elevation. Thus, when an isolated FPG cutoff ≥ 5.6 mmol/L is used to diagnose GDM, 27 (71.0%) women would be perceived as normoglycemic. Such women had significantly higher CGMS parameters of clinical interest, such as 24-h mean glucose, fasting glucose, 1-h and 2-h postprandial glucose (PPG), 1-h PPG excursion, and peak PPG.

CONCLUSIONS

An isolated FPG threshold, especially the higher cutoff ≥ 5.6 mmol/L, can potentially miss a large proportion of women (nearly three-fourths) diagnosed with GDM per WHO 2013 criteria. Eventually, such women fare significantly differently from normoglycemic women in various CGMS parameters of clinical interest.

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.

Do pregnancy outcomes of women with false-positive early gestational diabetes mellitus differ from those of women with normal glucose tolerance?

BACKGROUND

To investigate whether false-positive early gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) women can be managed similarly as normal glucose tolerance (NGT) women.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Japan. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of 67 singleton pregnancies with false-positive early GDM and 1774 singleton pregnancies with NGT who delivered after 22 weeks of gestation were compared. GDM was diagnosed according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria (patients having one or more of the following: fasting plasma glucose ≥ 92 mg/dL and a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) value ≥ 180 mg/dL at 1 h, or ≥ 153 mg/dL at 2 h). Pregnant women diagnosed with GDM in early pregnancy who did not meet the diagnostic criteria on the second OGTT were defined as having false-positive early GDM. Women with false-positive early GDM did not receive any therapeutic intervention during gestation.

RESULTS

Maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and gestational weight gain were significantly higher in the false-positive GDM group than in the NGT group. No significant differences were found in pregnancy outcomes, including gestational age, birth weight, large for gestational age rate, and cesarean delivery rate. Except for a higher neonatal hypoglycemia rate in the false-positive early GDM group, no significant differences were found in neonatal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no clinically significant differences between early GDM false-positive women exhibiting GDM patterns only during early pregnancy and NGT women. False-positive early GDM women can be managed similarly as NGT women, suggesting that World Health Organization diagnostic guidelines, applying the IADPSG criteria during early pregnancy, need revision.

Early-Pregnancy Intermediate Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Among Women Without Gestational Diabetes

CONTEXT

Universal early-pregnancy screening for overt diabetes reveals intermediate hyperglycemia (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] [5.1-6.9 mM]).

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the association between early-pregnancy intermediate hyperglycemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes among women without gestational diabetes.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Shanghai, China, from 2013 to 2017. All singleton pregnancies with FPG less than or equal to 6.9 mM in early pregnancy and receiving a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were included. Women with prepregnancy diabetes were excluded. Individuals with normal OGTT were analyzed. Pregnancy outcomes for FPG less than 5.1 mM and intermediate hyperglycemia were evaluated. The primary outcomes were large for gestational age (LGA) and primary cesarean delivery. Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted. Statistical significance was defined as P less than .05.

RESULTS

In total, 24 479 deliveries were included, of which 23 450 (95.8%) had normal OGTTs later in pregnancy (NGT). There were 807 (3.4%) women who had an FPG of 5.1 to 6.9 mM in early pregnancy. Compared to the NGT group with an FPG of less than 5.1 mM in early pregnancy (N = 20692), the intermediate hyperglycemia NGT group (N = 693) had a higher age and body mass index (BMI), and significantly higher rates of LGA, primary cesarean delivery, preterm birth, preeclampsia, and neonatal distress. The rates of primary cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.24; 95% CI, 1.05-1.45), preterm birth (AOR 1.75; 95% CI, 1.29-2.36), and neonatal distress (AOR 3.29; 95% CI, 1.57-6.89) remained statistically significantly higher after adjustments for maternal age, BMI, and other potential confounding factors.

CONCLUSION

Women with intermediate hyperglycemia in early pregnancy are at an increased risk for adverse maternal-fetal outcomes, even with normal future OGTTs.

DNA methylation analysis of cord blood samples in neonates born to gestational diabetes mothers diagnosed before 24 gestational weeks

INTRODUCTION

Genome-wide methylation analyses of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed after 24 gestational weeks (late GDM (L-GDM)) using cord blood have been reported. However, epigenetic changes in neonates born to mothers with GDM diagnosed before 24 gestational weeks (early GDM (E-GDM)) have not been reported. We investigated DNA methylation in neonates born to mothers with E-GDM using cord blood samples.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis was performed using an Illumina EPIC array to compare methylation rates of 754 255 autosomal sites in cord blood samples from term neonates born to 162 mothers with GDM (E-GDM: n=84, L-GDM: n=78) and 60 normal glucose tolerance (normal OGTT) pregnancies. GDM was diagnosed based on Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology criteria modified with International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group criteria. In this study, all GDM mothers underwent dietary management, while self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin administration was initiated when dietary modification did not achieve glycemic control.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in genome-wide DNA methylation of cord blood samples between the GDM (E-GDM and L-GDM) groups and normal OGTT group or between the E-GDM and normal OGTT groups, L-GDM and normal OGTT groups, and E-GDM and L-GDM groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report to determine the DNA methylation patterns in neonates born to mothers with E-GDM. Neonates born to mothers with GDM, who were diagnosed based on Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology criteria, may not differ in DNA methylation compared with those born to normal OGTT mothers.

Predictors of later insulin therapy for gestational diabetes diagnosed in early pregnancy

Interventions for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), diagnosed in early pregnancy, have been a topic of controversy. This study aimed to elucidate factors that predict patients with GDM diagnosed before 24 gestational weeks (early GDM: E-GDM) who require insulin therapy later during pregnancy. Furthermore, we identified patients whose impaired glucose tolerance should be strictly controlled from early gestation onward. Women diagnosed with GDM were categorized based on the gestational age at diagnosis into E-GDM (n = 388) or late GDM (L-GDM, diagnosed after 24 weeks, n = 340) groups. Clinical features were compared between the groups, and the predictors for insulin therapy was evaluated in the E-GDM group. There were no significant between-group differences in terms of perinatal outcomes (e.g., gestational weeks at delivery, fetal growth, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy), with the exception of the Apgar score at 5 min. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the frequency of insulin therapy during pregnancy between the two groups. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m², a family history of diabetes, and higher fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 1 h-plasma glucose (PG), and 2 h-PG values increased insulin therapy risk during pregnancy in the E-GDM group. Furthermore, since E-GDM patients with abnormal levels of FPG, as well as 1 h-PG or 2 h-PG, and those with pre-pregnancy BMI ≥25 kg/m² and a family history of diabetes had a higher risk of later insulin therapy during pregnancy, they may require more careful follow-up in the perinatal period.

Adverse obstetric outcomes in early-diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

To examine adverse outcomes in women with early-diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus using data from a large birth cohort study in Japan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study analyzed data from singleton pregnancies in the Japan Environment and Children's Study including births during 2011-2014. Mothers with an HbA1c level ≥6.5% in the first trimester, a history of diabetes mellitus, or steroid use during pregnancy were excluded. The participants were divided into three groups: control (without gestational diabetes mellitus), early-diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus (diagnosed before gestational week 24), and late-diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus (diagnosed after gestational week 24). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the risk of early-diagnosed and late-diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus for adverse obstetrics outcomes.

RESULTS

In total, 100,376 eligible participants were included in this study. The number of individuals in control cases, early-diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus cases, and late-diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus cases was 98,090 (97.7%), 751 (0.7%), and 1,535 (1.5%), respectively. When control cases were used as reference, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that early-diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus increased the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio: 2.08, 95% confidence interval: 1.51-2.86), early-onset hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio: 1.91, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-3.65), and late-onset hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio: 1.92, 95% confidence interval: 1.29-2.86).

CONCLUSION

Early-diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with serious obstetric complications. Our findings indicate the necessity of further investigations to validate the benefit of early screening for gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women.

Age at menarche and risk of adverse obstetric outcomes during the first childbirth in Japan: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

AIM

Age at menarche is used as a risk indicator of gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, and fetal growth. However, little is known regarding the age impact on obstetric outcomes among nulliparous women. This study investigated whether menarche age was correlated with obstetric outcomes among nulliparous women.

METHODS

We analyzed the data obtained for 37 645 singleton pregnancies between 2011 and 2014 in the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Age at menarche was categorized into the ≤9-, 10-, 11-, 12-, 13-, 14-, and ≥15-year-old groups (n = 363, 3155, 8390, 11 164, 6713, 5446, and 2414, respectively). We calculated the relative risk for cases of preterm birth <37 weeks, low birthweight <2500 g, small for gestational age, early and late-onset hypertension disorders of pregnancy, and early- and late-diagnosed (diagnosed < or ≧ 24 weeks) gestational diabetes mellitus using a reference of 12 years at menarche.

RESULTS

Women with an age at menarche ≤9 years showed an increased incidence of developing early-diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus (relative risk: 2.42; 95% confidence interval: 1.05-5.60). A high body mass index before pregnancy increased the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSIONS

Age at menarche helped in assessing the risk of early-diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus among nulliparous women. Future studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms. This study is the first to use data from the largest prospective birth cohort study of Japan and to investigate the relationship between menarche age and obstetric outcomes among nulliparous women.

Differential gene expression and network-based analyses of the placental transcriptome reveal distinct potential biomarkers for gestationaldiabetes mellitus

AIMS

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication during pregnancy affecting the mother and fetus. With the problems encountered with the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), we aim to identify potential early biomarkers of GDM.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 pregnant women. Blood samples were collected every trimester, and total RNA was isolated. After quality control and library preparation, next-generation sequencing was performed. Differential expression analysis was done. Enriched Gene Ontology: Biological Processes (GO: BP) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were identified. Gene co-expression networks were constructed. Protein-protein Interaction (PPI) networks were then built from modules significantly correlated with Hemoglobin A1c. Genes with the highest degree of interaction were identified as hub genes.

RESULTS

IGKV2D-28 and PTPRG were consistently differentially expressed among the three comparisons. Top enriched GO: BP terms and KEGG pathways are linked to immune responses. Orange (r = 0.59, p = 0.02) and purple modules (r = 0.41, p = 0.02) of the GDM cohorts in the first and second trimesters, respectively, significantly correlated with Hemoglobin A1c. HDAC8 of the orange module and MPO and CRISP3 of the purple module were identified as hub genes.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, potential biomarkers of GDM were identified, namely, IGKV2D-28, PTPRG, HDAC8, MPO, and CRISP3.

Early Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Diagnostic Strategies and Clinical Implications

Preexisting diabetes mellitus (DM) should be ruled out early in pregnancy in those at risk. During screening, a significant proportion of women do not reach the threshold for overt DM but fulfill the criteria used for diagnosing conventional gestational DM (cGDM). There is no consensus on the management of pregnancies with intermediate levels of hyperglycemia thus diagnosed. We have used the term early gestational DM (eGDM) for this condition and reviewed the currently available literature. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), oral glucose tolerance test, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) are the commonly employed screening tools in early pregnancy. Observational studies suggest that early pregnancy FPG and Hba1c correlate with the risk of cGDM and adverse perinatal outcomes. However, specific cut-offs, including those proposed by the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group, do not reliably predict the development of cGDM. Emerging data, though indicate that FPG ≥ 92 mg/dL (5.1 mmol/L), even in the absence of cGDM, signals the risk for perinatal complication. Elevated HbA1c, especially a level ≥ 5.9%, also correlates with the risk of cGDM and worsened outcome. HbA1c as a diagnostic test is however besieged with the usual caveats that occur in pregnancy. The studies that explored the effects of intervention present conflicting results, including a possibility of fetal malnutrition and small-for-date baby in the early treatment group. Diagnostic thresholds and glycemic targets in eGDM may differ, and large multicenter randomized controlled trials are necessary to define the appropriate strategy.

A prospective cohort study of postpartum glucose metabolic disorders in early versus standard diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus

Early gestational diabetes mellitus (eGDM) is diagnosed when fasting plasma glucose before 24 weeks of gestation (WG) is ≥ 5.1 mmol/L, whilst standard GDM is diagnosed between 24 and 28 WG by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). eGDM seems to have worse obstetric outcomes than standard GDM. We compared the rates of postpartum glucose metabolism disorders between women with early versus standard GDM in this prospective study on women with GDM from three university hospitals between 2014 and 2016. Patients were included if they were < 24 WG with at least one risk factor for GDM and excluded if they had type 2 diabetes. Patients were assigned to Group 1 (G1) for eGDM according to IADPSG: fasting blood glucose < 24 WG between 5.1 and 7 mmol/L. Group 2 (G2) consisted of patients presenting a standard GDM at 24–28 WG on OGTT results according to IADPSG: T0 ≥ 5.1 mmol/L or T60 ≥ 10.0 mmol g/L or T120 ≥ 8.5 mmol/L. The primary outcome was postpartum OGTT result. Five hundred patients were analysed, with 273 patients undergoing OGTT at 4–18 weeks postpartum: 192 patients in G1 (early) and 81 in G2 (standard). Patients in G1 experienced more insulin therapy during pregnancy than G2 (52.2% versus 32.5%, p < 0.001), but no patients were taking insulin postpartum in either group. G1 patients experienced less preterm labour (2.6% versus 9.1%, p = 0.043), more induced deliveries (38% versus 25%, p = 0.049) and reduced foetal complications (29.2% versus 42.0%, p = 0.048). There was no significant difference in the rate of postpartum glucose metabolism disorders (type 2 diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glycaemia) between groups: 48/192 (25%) in G1 and 17/81 (21%) in G2, p = 0.58. Thus the frequency of early postpartum glucose metabolism disorders is high, without difference between eGDM and standard GDM. This supports measurement of fasting plasma glucose before 24 WG and the threshold of 5.1 mmol/L seems appropriate until verification in future studies.

Trial registration: NCT01839448, ClinicalTrials.gov on 22/04/2013.

Effect of Preconception Selenium Intake on the Risk for Gestational Diabetes: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

Selenium (Se) acts as a cofactor of antioxidant enzymes. Preconception care may reduce the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We examined the association between preconception Se intake and the risk of GDM in Japanese women. Using the Japan Environment and Children’s Study database, we identified 92,764 Japanese women recruited between January 2011 and March 2014. Participants were categorized into five groups according to preconception Se intake quintiles (Q1 and Q5 were the lowest and highest Se intake groups, respectively). GDM was categorized as early-onset (Eo-GDM) or late-onset (Lo-GDM) diagnosed before or after 24 weeks, respectively. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to identify the effect of preconception Se intake on GDM, Eo-GDM, and Lo-GDM. Using Q3 (the middle Se intake group) as the reference, a multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the highest (Q5) Se intake group demonstrated increased risks of GDM (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.30) and the lowest (Q1) Se intake group had increased risks of Lo-GDM (aOR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.01–1.41). Thus, both high and low preconception Se intakes increase risks of glucose intolerance during pregnancy. This finding may indicate new recommendations for preconception Se intake to prevent GDM.

Impact of gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosed during the third trimester on pregnancy outcomes: a case-control study

Background

In 2010, the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) proposed new criteria indicating that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can be diagnosed if the fasting threshold of ≤92 mg/dL, 1-h threshold of ≤180 mg/dL, or 2-h threshold of ≤153 mg/dL are exceeded during the 75-g 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed at 24–28 weeks of gestation. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends using the proposed diagnostic threshold values of the IADPSG to diagnose GDM; however, it does not limit the timing of the 75-g OGTT. Since 2010 in Japan, GDM has been diagnosed using the same criteria as that proposed by the WHO. However, neither the JSOG nor the WHO has provided any evidence that it is appropriate to use a threshold beyond the range recommended by the IADPSG.

Methods

This was a single-centre retrospective study based on the medical records and delivery registry database of our centre. We included women who underwent a 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT) with results < 140 mg/dL at 24–28 weeks of gestation and subsequently underwent a 75-g OGTT after 29 weeks of gestation with abnormal glucose tolerance suspected based on clinical findings. The reference values for the 75-g OGTT followed the IADPSG criteria. Subjects were classified into the normal glucose tolerance (NGT) group and the GDM group. The type of delivery and neonatal outcomes of the two groups were compared. A multivariable analysis was performed to match the backgrounds of both groups.

Results

In total, the NGT and GDM group comprised 189 and 49 women, respectively. Emergency caesarean delivery rates were similar in the GDM and NGT groups (10.6 and 12.2%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43–3.64; p = 0.74); however, the elective caesarean delivery rate was higher in the GDM group than in the NGT group (16.3 and 5.3%, respectively, adjusted OR, 3.60; 95% CI, 1.27–10.19; p = 0.01). No significant differences were observed in other maternal and neonatal outcomes between both groups.

Conclusion

Although a diagnosis of GDM during the third trimester does not improve pregnancy outcomes, it increases the elective caesarean delivery rate.

Screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Early Pregnancy: What Is the Evidence?

The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide. This has a significant effect on the health of the mother and offspring. There is no doubt that screening for GDM between 24 and 28 weeks is important to reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, there is no consensus about diagnosis and treatment of GDM in early pregnancy. In this narrative review on the current evidence on screening for GDM in early pregnancy, we included 37 cohort studies and eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Observational studies have shown that a high proportion (15–70%) of women with GDM can be detected early in pregnancy depending on the setting, criteria used and screening strategy. Data from observational studies on the potential benefit of screening and treatment of GDM in early pregnancy show conflicting results. In addition, there is substantial heterogeneity in age and BMI across the different study populations. Smaller RCTs could not show benefit but several large RCTs are ongoing. RCTs are also necessary to determine the appropriate cut-off for HbA1c in pregnancy as there is limited evidence showing that an HbA1c ≥6.5% has a low sensitivity to detect overt diabetes in early pregnancy.