Doppler Indices of the Uterine, Umbilical and Fetal Middle Cerebral Artery in Diabetic versus Non-Diabetic Pregnancy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Splenic Artery Doppler Waveforms in Gestational Diabetes and Association with Fetal Pancreas: A Prospective Case-Control Study

INTRODUCTION

This study evaluated fetal pancreas size and echogenicity, and splenic artery (SA) waveforms in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

This prospective case-control study was performed from October 2022 to November 2023 and included 124 pregnant women (62 with GDM and 62 controls). Pancreatic circumference, pancreatic echogenicity, umbilical artery Doppler measurements (systolic/diastolic ratio [S/D] and pulsatility index [PI]), SA Doppler measurements (S/D, PI, peak systolic velocity [PSV], time-averaged maximum velocity, and pressure gradient [PG] mean and maximum) values were compared between the GDM and control groups.

RESULTS

The mean pancreatic circumference was higher and grade 2/3 echogenicity was more common in the GDM group, while grade 1 echogenicity was more common in the control group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). SA S/D and PI measurements were significantly higher in the GDM group than in the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Moreover, PGmax was significantly higher in the GDM group than in the control group (p = 0.038). Pancreatic circumference was positively correlated with SA PSV (p = 0.004). Additionally, pancreatic circumference was positively correlated with PGmean and PGmax (p = 0.010 and p = 0.016, respectively). The increase in pancreas echogenicity was positively correlated with SA S/D and PI measurements (p = 0.007 and p = 0.002, respectively). PGmax was also positively correlated with increased pancreas echogenicity (p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that fetal pancreas size and echogenicity were significantly higher in pregnant women with GDM than in controls. SA Doppler waveforms were consistent with an increase in vascular resistance associated with elevations of both S/D and PI in the GDM group.

An overview of diabetes mellitus in pregnant women with obesity

Rates of obesity are increasing world-wide with an estimated 1billion people projected to be obese by 2030 if current trends remain unchanged. Obesity currently considered one of the most significant associated factors of non-communicable diseases poses the greatest threat to health. Diabetes mellitus is an important metabolic disorder closely associated with obesity. It is therefore expected that with the increasing rates of obesity, the rates of diabetes in pregnancy will also be rising. This disorder may pre-date pregnancy (diagnosed or undiagnosed and diagnosed for the first time in pregnancy) or may be of onset in pregnancy. Irrespective of the timing of onset, diabetes in pregnancy is associated with both fetal and maternal complications. Outcomes are much better if control is maximised. Early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care and tailored management with optimum glycaemic control is associated with a significant reduction in not only pregnancy complications but long-term consequences on both the mother and offspring. This review brings together the current understanding of the pathogenesis of the endocrine derangements that are associated with diabetes in pregnancy how screening should be offered and management including pre-pregnancy care and the role of newer agents in management.