Prediction of pre-eclampsia in diabetic pregnant women

Background & objectives: Gestational or preexisting diabetes is one of the risk factors of pre-eclampsia. Both are responsible for higher maternal and fetal complications. The objective was to study clinical risk factors of pre-eclampsia and biochemical markers in early pregnancy of women with diabetes mellitus (DM)/gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) for the development of pre-eclampsia. Methods: The study group comprised pregnant women diagnosed with GDM before the 20 wk of gestation and DM before pregnancy and the control group had age-, parity- and period of gestation-matched healthy women. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and the polymorphism of these genes was evaluated at recruitment. Results: Out of 2050 pregnant women, 316 (15.41%) women (296 had GDM and 20 DM before pregnancy) were included in the study group. Of these, 96 women (30.38%) in the study group and 44 (13.92%) controls developed pre-eclampsia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated those who belonged to the upper middle and upper class of socio-economic status (SES) were likely to be at 4.50 and 6.10 times higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia. The risk of getting pre-eclampsia among those who had DM before pregnancy and pre-eclampsia in their previous pregnancy was about 2.34 and 4.56 times higher compared to those who had no such events, respectively. The serum biomarkers [SHBG, IGF-I and 25(OH)D] were not found to be useful in predicting pre-eclampsia in women with GDM. To predict risk of development of pre-eclampsia, the fitted risk model by backward elimination procedure was used to calculate a risk score for each patient. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for pre-eclampsia showed that area under the curve was 0.68 (95% confidence interval: 0.63-0.73); P<0.001. Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of this study suggested that pregnant women with diabetes were at a higher risk for pre-eclampsia. SES, history of pre-eclampsia in previous pregnancy and pre-GDM were found to be the risk factors.

Assessment of the customized birth weight formula in a low risk Indian population

Background: Birth weight is probably the single most important factor that affects neonatal mortality, infant and childhood morbidity in both developed and developing countries. Objective of the study was to formulate a model for prediction of fetal weight at term based on individualized fetal growth parameters.Methods: 131 participant low risk gravidas were enrolled into the study. The participants underwent an ultrasound 7 days prior to delivery. All fetal variables of growth of a random 100 participants were incorporated in an equation derived using multiple regressions to predict birth weight at term. The new equation was then prospectively applied to another 31 pregnant women for validation. The diagnostic performance of the new regression formula was then compared to the Hadlock formula.Results: The customised birth weight formula predicted a higher accuracy with MPE±SD of 0.790±9. compared to the Hadlock formula with MPE±SD - 4.42±8.73. The new formula also explained a greater variance in birth weight of 56% compared to the Hadlock formula of 49%.Conclusions: The new model based on individualized fetal growth parameters recognizes the capacity to modulate an accurate final birth weight, thus emphasizing the need for customized population specific birth weight formulas.

Assessment and comparison of pregnancy outcome among anaemic and non anaemic primigravida mothers.

Background: Primigravidas (PGs) are high-risk women and anemia in pregnancy is one of the commonest causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Objectives: The study was conducted to assess impact of anemia on course and outcome of pregnancy in anemic (Hemoglobin 8-10.9 gm%) and nonanemic PGs. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study was conducted in All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. PGs 20-30 years age, gestation age 16-18 weeks, hemoglobin >8 gm%, live singleton pregnancy, and no other medical illness were recruited after informed consent. The women were Grouped 1 and 2 if hemoglobin was ≥11 gm% and 8-10.9 gm%, respectively. Complete hemogram done at enrollment, 28-30 weeks of pregnancy and 6 weeks postdelivery. Obstetric outcome and presence of anemia postdelivery were compared between groups using Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Results: A total of 377 PGs were enrolled and obstetric outcomes studied in 179 (Group 1) and 149 (Group 2) excluding women who did not complete study. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline characteristics, antenatal complications, gestational age, mode of delivery, and neonatal outcome. At 28-30 weeks of gestation, in spite of iron supplementation higher percentage (64.4%) (P < 0.05) of anemic patients remained anemic. At 6 weeks postdelivery, 15.6% and 24.2% were anemic in Group 1 and 2, respectively (P > 0.05). The adverse postpartum events (7.6%) were seen more in anemic compared to nonanemic pregnant women (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Cautious approach required in postpartum period of anemic women though antenatal period is similar as nonanemic pregnant women.

Chikungunya virus outbreak in Kerala, India, 2007: a seroprevalence study

India was affected by a major outbreak of chikungunya fever caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) during 2006-2007. Kerala was the worst affected state during 2007 with a contribution of 55.8 percent suspected cases in the country. However, except for clinically reported case records, no systematic information is available on infection status of CHIKV in the region. Hence, we carried out a post-epidemic survey to estimate seroprevalence status [immunoglobulin G (IgG)] in the community using commercially available indirect immunofluorescence test. This methodology had been reported to be highly specific and sensitive for CHIKV infection. The study area selected was the worst affected mid-highlands region of Kerala which harbour vast area of rubber plantations. The study evidenced 68 percent of the population to be seropositive for CHIKV IgG. Males were found more affected than females (χ2 = 9.86; p = 0.002). Among males, prevalence was significantly higher in the age classes 21-30 (χ2 = 5.46; p = 0.019) and 31-40 (χ2 = 5.84; p = 0.016) years. This may be due to high occupational risk of the male population engaged in plantation activities exposed to infective bites of Aedes albopictus. The current study provides an insight into the magnitude of CHIKV outbreak in Kerala.