The Association Between Body Fat Index and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND:  Body mass index (BMI) has commonly been used to evaluate the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but BMI does not always represent body fat mass distribution. Body fat index (BFI), which includes the measurement of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), has been suggested to be a better predictor for GDM than BMI. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare the risk of GDM among pregnant females with BFI of >0.5 and ≤0.5. METHODS: Maternal abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) thickness were measured by ultrasonography before 14 weeks of gestation, and BFI was calculated (VAT×SAT/height). The study group was 160 females with BFI of >0.5, and the comparison group was 80 females with BFI of ≤0.5. All females received GDM screening during the first antenatal visit and at 24-28 weeks of gestation. The rate of GDM was compared between the two groups. The correlation between BFI and BMI and their diagnostic ability for GDM were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent associated factors for GDM. RESULTS: Females with BFI of >0.5 were significantly older (p=0.033) and had higher body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001) and were more likely to be overweight or obese (p<0.001). BFI correlated well with BMI (correlation coefficient of 0.736, p<0.001). GDM was significantly more common in females with BFI of >0.5 (24.4% versus 11.3%, p=0.017). The diagnostic ability for GDM between BFI and BMI was similar (areas under receiver operating characteristic {ROC} curves of 0.641 and 0.646, respectively). Significant independent risk factors for GDM were a BFI of >0.5 and a BMI of ≥25 kg/m2 (adjusted odds ratio {OR}, 3.8; 95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.5-9.2), age of ≥30 years (adjusted OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2-6.4), and family history of diabetes mellitus (DM) (adjusted OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.9-8.3). CONCLUSION: Females with BFI of >0.5 were significantly more likely to have GDM. The diagnostic ability of BFI and BMI for GDM was comparable. Females with BFI of >0.5 and BMI of ≥25 kg/m2 have an increased risk for GDM.

The Variants in ADIPOQ are Associated with Maternal Circulating Adipokine Profile in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common association with hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance during pregnancy. The adipokines play an important to control insulin secretion and glucose. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal circulating adipokine levels and ADIPOQ gene polymorphism among pregnant women subjects with GDM and normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Methods: Participants including 229 normal pregnant women and 197 GDM pregnant women were enrolled from 2015 to 2018 at Siriraj hospital. Serum adipokine levels including adiponectin, adipsin/factor D, NGAL/Lipocalin-2, total PAI-1, and resistin were measured by immunoassay. ADIPOQ variations were investigated including -11377C/G (rs266729), +45T/G (rs2241766), and +276G/T (rs1501299). Results: Serum adiponectin concentration was also significantly decreased among the GDM who had aged less than 35 years old whereas adipsin levels were significantly lower among the GDM who had aged more than 35 years old. Also, adiponectin and total PAI-1 levels were significantly lower among the GDM who had a BMI of less than 30 kg/m2. The G allele frequency of ADIPOQ +45T/G was significantly different between GDM and controls (p = 0.03). ADIPOQ +45T/G was associated with an increased risk of GDM (odds ratio [OR]: 1.554; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.010-2.390; p=0.045). The -11377C/G was affected by the level of adiponectin (p = 0.04). The C allele of -11377C/G SNP declined serum adiponectin levels and may be a risk factor for GDM. Conclusion: This study revealed that genetics play important roles in circulating adipokines among pregnant women. ADIPOQ polymorphisms had significant associations with adiponectin levels in GDM patients.

Decision-to-Delivery Interval After Implementation of a Specific Protocol for Emergency Cesarean Delivery Because of Category III Fetal Heart Rate Tracings.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of emergency cesarean deliveries with decision-to-delivery intervals (DDIs) of less than 30 minutes after implementation of a code blue protocol following National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) category III fetal heart rate (FHR) tracings. The secondary aim was to compare differences in pregnancy outcomes for deliveries completed before and after the 30-minute threshold. METHODS: All women undergoing a code blue emergency cesarean delivery between July 2015 and December 2021 were included. Information from electronic medical records, including baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, and pregnancy outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Among 254 code blue cesarean deliveries, 246 (96.9%) had a DDI of ≤30 minutes. The median DDI was 17 (14.3-20.0) minutes. No significant differences in adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were detected between deliveries with DDIs greater than and less than 30 minutes. The incidence of stillbirth was higher in the >30 minute-DDI group than in the ≤30 minute-DDI group (12.5% vs. 2%; P = 0.176). CONCLUSIONS: After implementation of a code blue protocol for emergency cesarean delivery, a DDI within 30 minutes was achieved in 97% of cases with category III FHR tracings. The incidence of stillbirth was dramatically higher in the >30 minutes-DDI group. We encourage all obstetric units to consider every factor that could reduce the DDI by developing specific, local protocols.

A specific protocol to shorten the decision-to-delivery interval for emergency caesarean section.

The achievement of recommended decision-to-delivery interval (DDI) of ≤30 minutes in emergency caesarean section (CS) is relatively low in developing countries. This study was aimed to compare DDI in emergency CS before and after the implementation of a specific care process improvement protocol, called 'code blue'. A total of 300 women underwent emergency CS were included; 150 consecutive cases before (during 2015-2016) and the other 150 consecutive cases after (during 2017-2018) 'code blue' implementation. Timing of decision-to-delivery process was compared. The results showed that median DDI was significantly shorter after 'code blue' implementation (22 vs. 52.5 minutes, p<.001). DDI of ≤30 minutes was achieved in 80% of the women under 'code blue' compared to 8% before implementation (p<.001). Significant improvements were observed regardless of decision time. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were comparable between the two periods. The implementation of 'code blue' protocol for emergency CS results in significantly shorter DDI and other time intervals.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Achievement of recommended decision-to-delivery interval (DDI) of ≤30 minutes in emergency caesarean section is relatively low in developing countries. Various setting-specific care improvement processes have been reported to shorten DDI.What do the results of this study add? A multidisciplinary care improvement process ('code blue') that developed according to specific evidence and based on a hospital's context can significantly shorten DDI as well as other time intervals in women requiring emergency CS.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The 'code blue' protocol could be used as a model for other hospitals and health care settings to develop their own specific quality improvement process in order to shorten DDI for emergency CS. Collaboration and communication between all staff members could help in better identification of significant barriers as well as development of appropriate solutions. Further studies are also needed to determine whether the shortened DDI could improve neonatal outcomes.

Relationship between ABO blood group and gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the ABO blood group and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in 600 pregnant women who received GDM screening with 50-g GCT and diagnosis by 100-g OGTT according to institutional guidelines. The cases included 200 women with GDM and another 400 normal pregnant women were randomly selected as controls. Various characteristics and ABO blood group were extracted from medical records and compared between cases and controls to determine their association with GDM. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent associated factors for GDM adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that significant factors associated with GDM were age ≥30 years, family history of DM, overweight, and obesity. Only blood group O significantly increased risk of GDM (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.06-2.13, p = .020). Logistic regression analysis showed that blood group O independently increased the risk of GDM (adjusted OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.32-3.0, p = .001). The risk of GDM was enhanced in women with blood group O with family history of DM (adjusted OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.57-7.81, p = .002) while it was attenuated among those without (adjusted OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.97-2.64, p = .064). CONCLUSION: Blood group O independently increased the risk of GDM.

Prevalence of early-onset GDM and associated risk factors in a university hospital in Thailand.

This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine prevalence of GDM diagnosed before 24 weeks of gestation (early-onset GDM) and evaluate associated risk factors and compare pregnancy outcomes between different GDM status. A total of 1200 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic before 24 weeks of gestation were included. GDM screening was offered during first visit and repeat during 24-28 weeks of gestation, using 50-g GCT and 100-g OGTT. GDM was diagnosed in 110 women (13.9%) and early-onset GDM was found in 57 women (9.2%), which accounted for 65.9% of all GDM. Early-onset GDM had significant lower gestational weight gain and higher rates of preeclampsia, LGA infants, and NICU admission. Independent associated factors for early-onset GDM were age ≥30 years (aOR 4.89, 95%CI: 2.08-11.50, p < .001), and previous GDM (aOR 12.26, 95%CI: 3.86-38.93, p < .001) while DM in family was the only independent factor for late-onset GDM (aOR 2.53, 95%CI: 1.42-4.51, p = .002).IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Reported prevalence of early-onset GDM varies between studies, depending on the screening strategy and criteria used. Despite treatment, early-onset GDM has been associated with increased adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in many previous studies. The risks associated with early-onset GDM and the evidence for benefit of early treatment are still unclear.What do the results of this study add? The results showed that early-onset GDM accounted for majority (65.9%) of all GDM. Despite treatment, early-onset GDM increased risk of preeclampsia, LGA infants, and NICU admission. Independent associated factors for early-onset GDM were age ≥30 years, and previous GDM while DM in family was the only independent factor for late-onset GDM.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Early GDM screening and intensive management, especially in high-risk women, should be implemented to minimise the risks of adverse outcomes. Further studies are needed to determine appropriate criteria to define early-onset GDM and to identify women at higher risk in different population and settings with different screening strategies. Effective management and approaches for this subgroup of GDM should also be further investigated.

Fetal anterior abdominal wall thickness between gestational diabetes and normal pregnant women.

OBJECTIVES: To compare fetal anterior abdominal wall thickness (AAWT) between women with and without GDM during third trimester and to determine accuracy of AAWT to predict large for gestational age (LGA) infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 250 pregnant women, including 125 women with GDM and 125 women without GDM, were enrolled. Tansabdominal ultrasonographic examinations were performed at 28-30, 32-34 and 36-38 weeks. In addition to standard fetal biometries, AAWT was measured. Patient characteristics and ultrasonographic measurements were compared between groups. Sensitivity and specificity of AAWT for identifying LGA were evaluated. RESULTS: While standard fetal biometries were comparable, mean fetal AAWT in GDM women were significantly higher than those without GDM at 28-30 weeks (2.8 ± 0.8 vs. 2.6 ± 0.6, p = 0.006) and 32-34 weeks (4.0 ± 0.9 vs. 3.5 ± 0.8, p = 0.042). LGA infants had significantly higher fetal AAWT at each time point only in GDM women. Using cut off values of AAWT of ≥2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mm at 28-30, 32-34, and 36-38 weeks, sensitivity for LGA diagnosis in GDM women were 94.4%, 93.9%, and 89.3%, respectively. The use of abdominal circumference (AC) at >90th percentile showed lower sensitivity but higher specificity, regardless of GDM status. Combination of both measurements increased sensitivity to approximately 90% or higher in every time point, especially among GDM women. CONCLUSION: Significant increase in fetal AAWT was observed in GDM women at 28-30 and 32-34 weeks. Fetal AAWT significantly increased among LGA infants and had higher sensitivity than AC in identifying LGA during third trimester. In GDM women at 28-30 weeks, AAWT ≥2.0 mm and AC >90th percentile had 97.2% sensitivity for LGA diagnosis.

Minimizing cross transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in obstetric ultrasound during COVID-19 pandemic.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated infection (COVID-19) is affecting populations worldwide. This statement may serve as guidance for infection prevention and safe ultrasound practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultrasound examination is a fundamental part of obstetric care, yet it is a potential vector for transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Decontamination methods should always be implemented for ultrasound equipment, especially in the presence of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. There must be workflow policies to protect pregnant women and healthcare providers from nosocomial cross transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Cleaning and disinfecting of equipment must be in accordance with their potential of pathogen transmission. Consider using telemedicine and genetic technologies as an adjunctive of obstetric ultrasound to reduce patient crowding. Patient triage and education of healthcare providers of infection prevention are crucial to minimize cross contamination of SARS-CoV-2 during obstetric ultrasound.

Relationship between 50-g glucose challenge test and large for gestational age infants among pregnant women without gestational diabetes.

The study aimed to compare the incidence of large for gestational age (LGA) infants between women with a false positive and normal glucose challenge test (GCT), and to evaluate the factors associated with LGA. A total of 480 pregnant women at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); 160 with a false positive GCT and 320 with normal GCT results were included. The incidence of LGA and other pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. Possible associated factors for LGA were also evaluated. Women with a false positive GCT were significantly older and more likely to be multiparous. The incidence of LGA was comparable between the false positive and normal GCT groups (15.6% vs. 13.1%, p = .456). Other pregnancy outcomes were also comparable. Logistic regression analysis showed that pre-pregnancy underweight significantly reduced the risk of LGA (adjusted OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.07-0.87, p = .029) while a second trimester weight gain >7 kg significantly increased the risk of LGA (adjusted OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.67-5.89, p < .001). Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? Women with a false-positive GCT (abnormal GCT but normal OGTT) can be considered as having an early form of glucose intolerance which similar adverse outcomes to GDM could develop. Previous studies have reported that a mild maternal hyperglycaemia in the absence of GDM is associated with LGA, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia and a caesarean delivery. There is no current recommendation for any intervention or treatment among women with a false positive GCT. What the results of this study add? The results of this study showed that an incidence of LGA was not significantly increased in the false positive GCT groups and that other pregnancy outcomes were comparable. A pre-pregnancy underweight significantly reduced the risk of LGA while a second trimester weight gain >7 kg significantly increased the risk of LGA. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? As a gestational weight gain is modifiable, behavioural and a dietary intervention as well as a close monitoring of the weight gain could help in lowering the risk of LGA, even in the absence of GDM. Further studies which are more widely generalisable are needed to elucidate the relationship between 50 g GCT and the adverse outcomes and to investigate the benefits of a specific intervention among this specific group of women.

Correlation Between Third Trimester Glycemic Variability in Non-Insulin-Dependent Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Adverse Pregnancy and Fetal Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy-related metabolic complication. Despite optimal glycemic control from self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) in non-insulin-dependent GDM, variations in pregnancy outcomes persist. Glycemic variability is believed to be a factor that causes adverse pregnancy outcomes. Continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) detects interstitial glucose values every 5 minutes, and glycemic variability data from CGMS during the third trimester may be a predictor of fetal birth weight and pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate correlation between third trimester glycemic variability in non-insulin-dependent GDM and fetal birth weight. METHOD: This prospective study was conducted in 55 pregnant volunteers with non-insulin-dependent GDM that were recruited at 28 to 32 weeks' gestation from the outpatient clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital during the study period of August 1 to December 31, 2016. Patients had CGMS installed for at least 72 hours and glycemic variability data were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 55 enrolled volunteers, the data from 47 women were included in the analysis. Mean CGMS duration was 85.5 ± 12.83 hours. No statistically significant correlation was identified between glycemic variability in third trimester and birth weight percentiles, or between third trimester CGMS parameters and pregnancy outcomes in the study. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, third trimester glycemic variability data from CGMS are not a predictor of fetal birth weight percentile, and no significant association was found between CGMS parameters and adverse pregnancy outcomes; thus, CGMS is not necessary in non-insulin-dependent GDM.

High prevalence of diabetes and abnormal glucose tolerance in Thai women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in previous gestational diabetes mellitus (pGDM) women. METHODS: 100 pGDM women randomly selected from the database of the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology. 75 g-OGTT were performed in subjects without known diabetes. AGT was diagnosed using the American Diabetes Association criteria. RESULTS: The mean age, pre-gestational BMI, and time since delivery were 38 ± 5 years, 24.5 ± 5.7 kg/m2, and 46 ± 26 months. Overall, 81% of the subjects had AGT, including IGT (38%), IGT + IFG (5%), T2DM (38%). Plasma glucose (PG) at 1 h after a 50 g-glucose challenge test (GCT), PG at 1 h after 100 g-OGTT, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR were significantly greater in women with AGT than normal glucose tolerance (NGT) women. The proportion of women with ≥3 abnormal PG values during 100 g-OGTT was greater in AGT than NGT group (50.7% vs. 15.8%). Multivariate analysis showed that PG ≥ 150 mg/dl at 1 h after a 50 g-GCT and ≥3 abnormal PG values in 100 g-OGTTs were risk factors for developing AGT. CONCLUSIONS: Eighty-one percent of pGDM women developed AGT within 4 years after delivery. Risk factors for AGT were PG ≥ 150 mg/dl at 1 h after a 50 g-GCT and ≥3 abnormal PG values in a 100 g-OGTT.

Three-dimensional ultrasound for prenatal assessment of conjoined twins: additional advantages?

Conjoined twins are a rare, but serious, complication of monozygotic twins. Early prenatal diagnosis of conjoined twins is increasingly made with transvaginal ultrasound and color Doppler studies. Most prenatally diagnosed conjoined twins are terminated due to the high perinatal mortality, but advancement in pediatric surgery has allowed for successful postnatal separation in a small number of cases, and some parents may consider this option over termination of pregnancy. It is important to get a detailed prenatal ultrasound for the site and extent of fusion for an accurate categorization. Three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) provides images that can facilitate counselling for the parents. Additional information that impacts on diagnosis, prognostication, and perinatal management of conjoined twins could be obtained from selective use of 3DUS, particularly those with atypical fetal union. Most of the proposed additional benefits of 3DUS are based on case reports. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been increasingly used for the purpose of identifying intricate organ sharing. Because of the rarity of this condition, and the heterogeneity of fetal fusion, added benefits of either 3DUS or MRI for prenatal diagnosis and perinatal management of conjoined twins have not been demonstrated by well-conducted clinical trials. This article aims to review clinical application of various 3DUS display modes in prenatal assessment of conjoined twins, focusing on their potential additional benefits, risks and misuses. 3DUS may help detecting additional findings that are not possible with 2DUS, but, it has not been scientifically shown to improve the survival rate of the twins or reduce maternal morbidity.

Pregnancy outcome in women with gestational diabetes mellitus according to the Carpenter-Coustan criteria in Thailand.

AIM: To compare the pregnancy outcome of patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) using the Carpenter-Coustan (CC) criteria with that of non-GDM pregnant women at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out by reviewing medical records of pregnant women who underwent 100-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for diagnosing GDM between January 2009 and December 2012 at Siriraj Hospital. Pregnant women were divided into three groups according to the 100-g OGTT result: group 1, pregnant women with normal OGTT on both CC and National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) criteria; group 2, pregnant women with normal OGTT on NDDG criteria but GDM on CC criteria; and group 3, pregnant women with GDM on CC criteria after December 2012 and enrolled in glycemic control program. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: During the study period, the incidence of GDM increased 32.76% using the CC criteria. These women (group 2) had a higher risk of neonatal hypoglycemia (6.7% vs 0.6%; OR, 12.3; P < 0.0001), neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (13.7% vs 7.8%; OR, 1.9; P = 0.013) compared with group 1. Pregnant women in group 3 had a lower incidence of immediate post-partum hemorrhage from vaginal delivery than group 2 (0 vs 2.9%; P = 0.04) as well as lower rates of neonatal hypoglycemia and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. CONCLUSION: Use of CC criteria increases the prevalence of GDM, but managing these women according to the program for GDM can improve the adverse neonatal outcome.

Relation between gestational weight gain and pregnancy outcomes.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of gestational weight gain on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant Thai women with different pre-pregnancy body mass indexes (BMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out by reviewing 5200 medical records of pregnant women who delivered at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital during 1 September 2011-1 August 2012. Inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancy with available pre-pregnant weight and maternal height. Pre-pregnancy BMI were categorized according to World Health Organization criteria. Pregnancy outcomes of interest were appropriate-for-gestational-age infants. The optimal gestational weight gain for each BMI group was proposed to achieve a high proportion of appropriate-for-gestational age infants. RESULTS: Patients were divided into four groups according to their pre-pregnancy BMI: underweight (21.3%), normal weight (64.1%), overweight (11.5%), and obese (3.1%). Optimal gestational weight gain ranges for each group were 10-18, 8-16, 6-14 and 4-8 kg, respectively. Our proposed criteria seem to be realistic, with 60% of pregnant Thai women able to adhere to the recommendation, compared to 40.5% adherence to the 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendation. There were no significant complications when following either of the recommendations. Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including large for gestational age, cesarean section, and severe pre-eclampsia, were significantly decreased in women who complied with our recommendation. CONCLUSION: To achieve a high proportion of appropriate-for-gestational-age infants, Thai pregnant women could follow our gestational weight gain recommendation.

Development of a modified 100-gram oral glucose tolerance test for diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus and its diagnostic accuracy.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a modified 100-g oral glucose tolerance test (100-g OGTT) for the diagnosis ofgestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in order to reduce the number of values needed for the test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient charts ofpregnant women who completed the 100-g OGT test at the antenatal clinic, Siriraj Hospital between 2005 and 2006 were reviewed. Cases diagnosed with GDM using standard 100-g OGTT were selected. In non-GDM cases, the last 100-g OGTT test was selected. Diagnostic performances of each glucose value and two or three values in various combinations were determined. RESULTS: One thousand seven hundred sixty three women completed GDM diagnosis throughout their pregnancy Four hundred three women had GDM while 1360 subjects were non-GDM. Considering single glucose values, the highest level of accuracy, and the best ROC curve were obtained from the value at 2 hours after glucose ingestion (2-h glucose value) with 93.00% accuracy and the area under the ROC curve of 0.961. The combination of 2-h glucose value with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) showed 93.25% accuracy. FPG combined with 1-h and 2-h glucose values achieved 100% sensitivity with 92% accuracy. CONCLUSION: FPG in combined with 1-h and 2-h glucose values is an interesting alternative for the diagnosis of GDM.

Maternal body mass index at term does not predict the severity of preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal pre-pregnancy weight is a risk of developing preeclampsia. Whether it is also associated with the disease severity is still elusive. This retrospective cohort was to determine the association between body mass index (BMI) at term and severity of preeclampsia. MATERIAL AND METHOD: BMIs on the delivery date of 229 patients were analyzed with various indicators of the disease severity. The corrected BMI (cBMI), calculated by an exclusion of feto-placental unit, was additionally analyzed. RESULTS: Neither maternal BMI nor cBMI correlated with the disease severity (p = 0.15 and 0.36). Patients who did and did not require MgSO4 do not have different BMI or cBMI (p = 0.12 and 0.23). Neonatal weight from severe disease arm does not differ from those with mild disease (p = 0.51). Counter-intuitively the correlations between birth weight and maternal BMI were stronger in the severe compared to the mild group (p = 0.0 and 0. 03). CONCLUSION: Neither BMI nor cBMI at the time of delivery predict the severity of preeclampsia or the need for seizure prophylaxis. Birth weight of the baby born from preeclamptic mother might be affected by multiple factors.

Abnormal results on a second testing and risk of gestational diabetes in women with normal baseline glucose levels.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the rate of women with normal initial results to glucose tolerance tests who have abnormal results to subsequent testing, and estimate the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in these women. METHODS: Baseline plasma glucose levels were classified as normal if they were less than 120 mg/dL (group 1) or between 120 and 139 mg/dL (group 2) by the 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT); as abnormal if they were found abnormal by the 50-g GCT but normal by the 100-g glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (group 3); and as abnormal if 1 of the four 100-g OGTT values was abnormal (group 4). A second testing session with the 50-g GCT and 100-g OGTT was performed between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy for 900 women at risk whose initial test results were normal. RESULTS: Of the 823 women with normal baseline results who completed the study, 41.4% had abnormal results to the second 50-g GCT, and gestational diabetes mellitus was diagnosed by the 100-g OGTT in 7.0% of these 823 women. Compared with group 1, the women in groups 2, 3, and 4 were at a significantly increased risk of having an abnormal result to the second 50-g GCT. They were also at a significantly increased risk for GDM. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were 3.0 for group 2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-7.2), 4.9 for group 3 (95% CI, 2.2-11.0), and 11.3 for group 4 (95% CI, 3.9-32.6). CONCLUSION: The risk of developing GDM significantly increased with increasing baseline plasma glucose levels by the 50-g GCT.

Incidence of large-for-gestational age newborn: a comparison between pregnant women with abnormal and normal screening test for gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of large-for-gestational age (LGA) newborn between pregnant women with abnormal and normal glucose challenge test (GCT). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Two hundred and sixty pregnant women, who were at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), received screening following practice guideline. The women were divided into two groups. The study group comprised of 130 women whose screening test results of 50-g 1-hour GCT were abnormal but had not been diagnosed with GDM (normal oral glucose tolerance test). The control group comprised of 130 women whose GCT results were normal. Comparison of various maternal and neonatal characteristics as well as the incidence of LGA between the groups was made. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, gestational age at first antenatal care, body mass index, and risk of GDM between the two groups. The study group had a significantly higher number of parity and number of risk factors of GDM than the control group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of LGA newborn between the two groups (8.5% in the study group and 10.8% in the control group, p = 0.528). There were also no significant differences in gestational age at delivery, pre-eclampsia, pre-term delivery, hyperbillirubinemia of the newborn between the two groups. There were no cases of maternal acute postpartum hemorrhage, and birth asphyxia. CONCLUSION: The incidence ofLGA newborn was similar between non-GDMwomen with abnormal and normal screening GCT results in Siriraj Hospital.

Noninvasive diagnosis of fetal anemia and fetal intravascular transfusion therapy: experiences at Siriraj Hospital.

Traditionally, when fetal hydrops are found along with certain markers indicating fetal anemia, fetal blood sampling would be performed through cordocentesis to confirm the diagnosis. This procedure, however comes with an inherent risk of losing the whole pregnancy. When anemia was verified, treatment options were limited and the prognosis was grim. In this article, the authors described their experiences of using prenatal Doppler studies as a noninvasive venue in the diagnosis and treatment of fetal anemia. Once the diagnosis of fetal anemia is made, the patient will be asked to undergo an algorithm to investigate the definite cause of anemia, along with simultaneous ultrasound-guided intravascular fetal transfusion in selected cases. The authors selected two cases of fetal anemia of different etiologies and treatment outcomes to demonstrate the significance of early diagnosis and intervention. Review of the relevant medical literatures and the proposed algorithms were also provided.