Optimally Controlled Diabetes and Its Influence on Neonatal Outcomes at a Level II Center: A Study on Infants Born to Diabetic Mothers.

Background and Objectives: We investigated the effect of optimal maternal glycemic control on neonatal outcomes among infants born to mothers with diabetes. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, we assessed 88 eligible mothers admitted to the obstetrics department for pregnancy evaluation. Our analysis included 46 infants born to diabetic mothers (IDMs) and 138 infants born to unaffected mothers, all admitted to the Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Results: Mothers affected by diabetes were generally older and exhibited a higher body mass index (BMI) and a greater number of gestations, although parity did not differ significantly. Cesarean section emerged as the most frequently chosen mode of delivery. A significantly higher proportion of infants in the affected group presented with respiratory disease (3% vs. 19.5%), which required NICU admission (4.3% vs. 23.9%), phototherapy (18.1% vs. 43.5%), and had congenital heart defects or myocardial hypertrophy (15.2% and 26% vs. 3% and 4.3%) compared to matched controls (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study underscores the persistence of adverse neonatal outcomes in IDMs, even when maternal glycemic control is optimized. It calls for further investigation into potential interventions and strategies aimed at enhancing neonatal outcomes in this population.

Higher Dose Noninvasive Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Increases Feeding Volumes and White Matter Microstructural Complexity in Open-Label Study of Infants Slated for Gastrostomy Tube.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) paired with twice daily bottle feeding increases the volume of oral feeds and white matter neuroplasticity in term-age-equivalent infants failing oral feeds and determined to need a gastrostomy tube. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective, open-label study, 21 infants received taVNS paired with 2 bottle feeds for 2 - 3 weeks (2x). We compared 1) increase oral feeding volumes with 2x taVNS and previously reported once daily taVNS (1x) to determine a dose response, 2) number of infants who attained full oral feeding volumes, and 3) diffusional kurtosis imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy before and after treatment by paired t tests. RESULTS: All 2x taVNS treated infants significantly increased their feeding volumes compared with 10 days before treatment. Over 50% of 2x taVNS infants achieved full oral feeds but in a shorter time than 1x cohort (median 7 days [2x], 12.5 days [1x], P < .05). Infants attaining full oral feeds showed greater increase in radial kurtosis in the right corticospinal tract at the cerebellar peduncle and external capsule. Notably, 75% of infants of diabetic mothers failed full oral feeds, and their glutathione concentrations in the basal ganglia, a measure of central nervous system oxidative stress, were significantly associated with feeding outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In infants with feeding difficulty, increasing the number of daily taVNS-paired feeding sessions to twice-daily significantly accelerates response time but not the overall response rate of treatment. taVNS was associated with white matter motor tract plasticity in infants able to attain full oral feeds. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04643808).

Cardiometabolic effects of breastfeeding on infants of diabetic mothers.

BACKGROUND: Breast milk is the best and principal nutritional source for neonates and infants. It may protect infants against many metabolic diseases, predominantly obesity and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic and microvascular disease that affects all the body systems and all ages from intrauterine life to late adulthood. Breastfeeding protects against infant mortality and diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis, diarrhoea, respiratory infections, viral and bacterial infection, eczema, allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergies, malocclusion, dental caries, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. It also protects against obesity and insulin resistance and increases intelligence and mental development. Gestational diabetes has short and long-term impacts on infants of diabetic mothers (IDM). Breast milk composition changes in mothers with gestational diabetes. AIM: To investigate the beneficial or detrimental effects of breastfeeding on the cardiometabolic health of IDM and their mothers. METHODS: We performed a database search on different engines and a thorough literature review and included 121 research published in English between January 2000 and December 15, 2022, in this review. RESULTS: Most of the literature agreed on the beneficial effects of breast milk for both the mother and the infant in the short and long terms. Breastfeeding protects mothers with gestational diabetes against obesity and type 2 DM. Despite some evidence of the protective effects of breastfeeding on IDM in the short and long term, the evidence is not strong enough due to the presence of many confounding factors and a lack of sufficient studies. CONCLUSION: We need more comprehensive research to prove these effects. Despite many obstacles that may enface mothers with gestational diabetes to start and maintain breastfeeding, every effort should be made to encourage them to breastfeed.

Infants with macrosomia and infants of diabetic mothers have increased carotid artery intima-media thickness in childhood.

Incidence of diabetes during pregnancy is increasing worldwide, and intrauterine hyperglycemia exposure may have long-term adverse effects on the cardiovascular health of children. We investigated prospectively the risk of atherosclerosis and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in infants born macrosomic and in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) at the age of 8-9 years in 2021. A total of 49 infants of diabetic mothers (IDM group) and 13 macrosomic infants (macrosomic group) were included in the study. They were compared with 26 age-matched healthy children with birth weight appropriate for gestational age born to non-diabetic mothers (control group). Anthropometric measurements, atherosclerosis risk factors, and CIMT measurements were performed. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, actual anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, laboratory parameters, or atherosclerosis risk factors. Gestational age was lower in the IDM group (p < 0.001), while birth weight was higher in the macrosomic group (p < 0.001). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was lower in the IDM group than the other groups. Duration of exclusive and total breastfeeding was lower in IDM group than in the control group (p < 0.001 for both). Body mass index, skinfold thickness, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were higher in those breastfed for less than 6 months in the IDM group. The CIMT values were statistically higher in IDM [0.43 ± 0.047 (0.34-0.60)] and macrosomic [0.40 ± 0.055 (0.33-0.50)] groups than control group [0.34 ± 0.047 (0.26-0.45)]. CONCLUSION: CIMT values were higher in IDM and macrosomic groups at 8-9 years old age compared to children born with normal birth weight. This indicates intrauterine exposure in both groups. And also, breastfeeding seems very important for IDMs. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Intrauterine hyperglycemia exposure has long-term adverse effects on the cardiovascular health of children. • Infants of diabetic mothers have higher carotid artery intima-media thickness at birth. WHAT IS NEW: • Both infants of diabetic mothers and infants with macrosomia have increased carotid artery intima-media thickness at the age of 8-9 years. • Duration of breast feeding is important especially in infants of diabetic mothers as body mass index, skinfold thickness, waist to hip and height ratio were higher in those breastfed less than 6 months.

Epicardial fat thickness in infants of diabetic mothers.

BACKGROUND: Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) in adults and children has been related to the metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular risk factors; however, scarce studies have evaluated it in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) in whom, alterations in the thickness of the interventricular septum have been reported. This study compares the EFT in IDM versus infants of non-diabetic mothers (INDM) and its association with others echocardiographic parameters. METHODS: We performed a cross sectional study in 93 infants (64 IDM and 29 INDM). To evaluate EFT dimensions, an echocardiogram was performed within the first 24h of extrauterine life in both groups. In diabetic mothers, HbA1c was also determined. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in birth weight between the groups although gestational age was lower in IDM. The EFT (3.6 vs. 2.5 mm, p < 0.0001), the interventricular septum thickness (IVST) (6.2 vs. 5.2 mm, p < 0.0001) and the IVST / left ventricle posterior wall (1.3 vs. 1.1, p = 0.001) were higher in the IDM; while the left ventricular expulsion fraction [LVFE] (71.1 vs. 77.8; p < 0.0001) was lower than in the INDM, respectively. We found a positive correlation between EFT with IVST (r = 0.577; p = 0.0001), LVPW (r = 0.262; p = 0.011), IVST/LVPW index (r = 0.353; p = 0.001), and mitral integral early velocity (r = 0.313; p = 0.002), while a negative correlation with LVFE was observed (r = -0.376; p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The EFT is higher in IDM than in INDM. It was positively related with echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular thickness and negatively with left ventricular ejection function.

Fluid status changes during the transition in infants of diabetic mothers.

In animal and human neonates, expansion of the extracellular fluid volume is associated with "wet" lung and poor respiratory outcomes. To define fluid status changes during the transition from fetal to neonatal life in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM), we conducted a single-centre (Policlinico Abano Terme, Abano Terme, Italy) study of 66 IDM and a 1:2 matched control group from January 1 to September 30, 2020. Fluid status changes were assessed by computing Δ Hct from umbilical cord blood at birth and capillary heel Hct at 48 h, accounting for body weight decrease. IDM presented with significantly lower cord blood Hct levels in comparison to controls (47.33 ± 4.52 vs 50.03 ± 3.51%, p < 0.001), mainly if delivered by elective cesarean Sect. (45.01 ± 3.77 vs 48.43 ± 3.50%, p = 0.001). Hct levels at 48 h were comparable (55.18 ± 5.42 vs 54.62 ± 7.41%, p = 0.703), concurrently with similar body weight decrease (- 217.21 ± 113.34 vs - 217.51 ± 67.28 g, p = 0.614). This supports significantly higher ∆ Hct in IDM (5.13 ± 5.24 vs 7.29 ± 6.48, p < 0.01) and extra circulating fluid loss of 2-3%.Conclusion: Gestational diabetes is associated with an excess of circulating fluids during the transition from fetal to neonatal life, challenging the current assumption that is per se at risk of wet lung. What is Known: • In neonates, evidence suggests that expansion of the extracellular fluid volume prior to the postnatal diuresis is associated with poor respiratory outcomes. What is New: • Gestational diabetes is associated with an excess of circulating fluids during the transition from fetal to neonatal life, challenging the current assumption that is per se at risk of wet lung.

Role of umbilical cord C-peptide levels in early prediction of hypoglycemia in infants of diabetic mothers.

BACKGROUND: Until now, diabetes during pregnancy has been associated with a high risk of maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidities and mortalities. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of hypoglycemia in infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) and to study the relationship between umbilical cord (UC) C peptide levels and the risk of developing hypoglycemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: UC blood C-peptide and serial serum blood glucose measurements were done for all included singleton newborns born to diabetic mothers during the study period. Maternal and neonatal data such as gestational age, maternal age, maternal weight, types of diabetics and its control, maternal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), birth weight, Apgar score, and neonatal complete blood picture were collected. RESULTS: In total, 83 IDMs met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-four (65.06%) developed hypoglycemia and 29 (34.94%) remained normoglycemic. However, there were no significant differences between hypoglycemic and normoglycemic IDMs in terms of types of maternal diabetics (P value = 0.41), its duration (P value = 0.43). The hypoglycemia peak occurred within the first 3 h of life, with 33.11 ± 8.84 mg/dl for the hypoglycemia group and 54.10 ± 6.66 mg/dl for the normoglycemic group (P value < 0.0001). Most of the babies had no hypoglycemic manifestation (96.30%). Neonates with hypoglycemia their mothers had poor diabetes control in the last trimester (HbA1C 7.09 ± 0.96%) compared to normoglycemic babies (HbA1C 6.11 ± 0.38%), (P-value < 0.0001). The mean (SD) of UC C-peptide level in hypoglycemic neonates increased to 1.73 ± 1.07 ng/ml compared to normoglycemic ones with 1.08 ± 0.81 ng/ml (P value = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Poor diabetes control, especially in the last trimester, is associated with neonatal hypoglycemia. Increased UC C-peptide levels could be used as an early indicator for the risk of developing neonatal hypoglycemia and a predictor for babies need neonatal admission.

Antenatal corticosteroids and short-term neonatal outcomes in term and near-term infants of diabetic mothers. Analysis of the Qatar PEARL-peristat registry.

OBJECTIVES: A recent discussion surrounding the extension of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) use beyond 34 weeks of gestation did not include the subgroup of infants of diabetic mothers (IDM). We aimed to examine the association between ACS exposure and outcomes in neonates born at term and at near-term gestation in a large cohort of IDMs. METHODS: We selected 13976 eligible near-term and term infants who were included in the PEARL-Peristat Perinatal Registry Study (PPS). We assessed the association of ACS exposure with neonatal outcomes in a multivariate regression model that controlled for diabetes mellitus (DM) and other perinatal variables. RESULTS: The incidence of DM was 28% (3,895 of 13,976) in the cohort. Caesarean section was performed in one-third of the study population. The incidence of ACS exposure was low (1.8%) and typically occurred>2 weeks before delivery. The incidence rates of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)/ transient tachypnoea of newborns (TTN), all-cause neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, NICU admissions for hypoglycaemia, and low 5-min Apgar scores were 3.5, 8.8, 1.3, and 0.1%, respectively. In a multivariate regression model, ACS was associated with a slight increase in NICU admissions (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.04-2.03; p=0.028), but not with RDS/TTN. CONCLUSIONS: Although the low exposure rate was a limitation, ACS administration did not reduce respiratory morbidity in near-term or term IDMs. It was independently associated with an increase in NICU admissions. Randomized controlled trials are required to assess the efficacy and safety of ACS administration in diabetic mothers at late gestation.

Socioeconomic and racial disparities in the risk of congenital anomalies in infants of diabetic mothers: A national population-based study.

We used a national population-based database to study socioeconomic and racial disparities associated with congenital anomalies in 293,498 infants of diabetic mothers. Risk of anomalies in infants of diabetic mothers was highest in poor families (13.3%) compared to the rich families (10.9%), and black families had the highest risk of anomalies (14.0%) compared to white families (11.8%).

Pain response to vaccination in newborn infants of diabetic mothers.

BACKGROUND: Response to pain is altered in infants who were exposed to pain- and stressful events in the neonatal period. Infants of diabetic mothers receive several heel sticks after birth for measuring blood glucose and thus may show changes in their behavioral and physiologic response to pain. Moreover, maternal hyperglycemia may alter activity of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity. STUDY DESIGN: In total, 43 infants of diabetic mothers and 30 control infants were included into the study. Response to pain was assessed at 3 months of age following two intramuscular injections for vaccination. We assessed behavioral (Bernese pain scale), physiologic (heart rate) and hormonal (salivary cortisol) pain response to vaccination as well as spinal sensitization (flexion withdrawal reflex). RESULTS: Infants of diabetic mothers received a median number of 5 [4-19] painful events compared to 1 [1-3] in the control group. Heart rate reactivity differed significantly between groups. Infants of diabetic mothers had higher peaks (p = 0.002) and needed more time to recover to baseline (p < 0.001). Moreover, infants of diabetic mothers showed higher peak cortisol (p = 0.001) and a higher relative cortisol increase (p = 0.015). Flexor withdrawal reflex thresholds were significantly lower in infants of diabetic mothers (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The increase of physiologic and hormonal responses to pain in infants of diabetic mothers is probably caused by repeated painful events and an altered metabolic profile.

Effect of gestational diabetes on the vitamin D levels in the neonates: a case control study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to determine the effect of maternal gestational diabetes on the Vitamin D levels of the mother and their newborns and to compare it with healthy mother-infant pairs. METHODS: The study design was a Case Control study. It was conducted at the antenatal unit of Obstetrics and Neonatal unit of Pediatrics department of a tertiary care hospital in costal Karnataka. Consecutive sample of otherwise healthy pregnant women presenting with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and their healthy term neonates were taken as study group. The weight matched healthy mothers and their healthy term neonates were taken as controls. The blood samples of the mothers, at term and the cord blood samples of the neonates were collected for estimating the Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D levels in the cases and controls were the primary outcome measures. RESULTS: The mean value of Vitamin D levels in the GDM mothers was 10.74 ng/ml and in the mothers forming the control group was 23.53ng/ml (p value < 0.001). The mean value of Vitamin D levels in GDM babies was 8.47ng/ml and was 19.51ng/ml in the control (p value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Comparison of Vitamin D levels of mothers and infants of both groups showed a positive correlation. GDM seems to exacerbate the Vitamin D deficiency in the mothers and their neonates.

Continuous glucose monitoring as a screening tool for neonatal hypoglycemia in infants of diabetic mothers.

Objective: To assess the plausibility of using the continuous glucose monitoring as a sole source of data for the screening of the neonatal hypoglycemia.Study design: Infants of mothers with diabetes were screened for neonatal hypoglycemia (less than 2.5 mmol/l after 4 h of life). Initial measurement was performed using point of care analyzer. We applied continuous glucose monitoring system subsequently. Infants were monitored up to 5 days or until discharge.Results: Out of 32 infants 11 had postnatal hypoglycemia resolved within 12 h of life. Two infants had hypoglycemia found due to continuous glucose monitoring after 24 h of life when sufficient feeding was established and they did not show any signs of hypoglycemia. We did not have any false negative measurements. No infant showed clinical signs of neonatal hypoglycemia.Conclusions: Continuous glucose monitoring is plausible and safe to use for screening of neonatal hypoglycemia. It operates well within the range that is accepted as safe for neurodevelopment. In addition, it can be used after first day of life where regular screening ends. Limitation of this method is possible alarm negligence of caregivers.

Infant Death Following Home Birth: A Case Report of Fatal Neonatal Hypoglycemia.

Infants born to diabetic mothers are at increased risk for symptomatic hypoglycemia and death after birth. A 36-year-old G4P3 mother with a history of gestational diabetes and newly diagnosed type II insulin-dependent diabetes gave birth at home, in the care of a midwife, to a macrosomic infant girl (10 lbs.). Several hours after birth, the infant became lethargic and was found to be hypoglycemic (blood sugar: 28 mg/dL). Glucose and sugar water were administered by the midwife; however, the infant continued to decompensate. Emergency medical services were called, and the infant was transported to the hospital where, despite resuscitative efforts, she died. An autopsy and review of the literature was performed. At autopsy, characteristic features of maternal-fetal glucose dysregulation were identified, including fetal macrosomia, cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, and severe pancreatic islet cell hypertrophy/hyperplasia. Developmental abnormalities and other potential causes of death were not identified. Although deaths due to hypoglycemia cannot be reliably diagnosed postmortem using vitreous glucose levels, a clinical history of maternal glucose dysregulation in combination with certain gross and histologic findings should prompt a pathologist to consider maternal-fetal glucose dysregulation as a diagnosis of exclusion and cause of death.

Neonatal Glycemic Status of Infants of Diabetic Mothers in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a common medical complication during pregnancy that results in significant neonatal morbidities. In infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs), hypoglycemia is a common complication. OBJECTIVE: To study the neonatal hypoglycemia in IDMs in a tertiary care hospital. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was done in postnatal ward in Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetic, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders from January to December 2009. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The data of IDMs were collected from postnatal ward. All IDMs delivered during this period staying in postnatal ward were included in this study. The outcomes were compared between the hypoglycemic and normoglycemic IDMs and between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pre-GDM in hypoglycemic group using Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. The data analysis was performed with Epi-enfo7 software. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 363 IDMs were included in this study. Hypoglycemia developed in 38.3% IDMs and 43.2% mothers of hypoglycemic IDMs had GDM and 56.8% had pre-GDM. Duration of maternal diabetes (P = 0.04) and large for gestational age (P = 0.0001) were associated with hypoglycemia. Multigravidae (82.2% vs 68.3%, P = 0.03), prolonged duration of maternal diabetes (45.46 weeks vs 3.23 weeks, P = 0.00001), preterm babies (48.1% vs 28.3% P = 0.009), and control of diabetes by insulin (81% vs 46.7%, P = 0.001) were more in pre-GDM, and statistically significant. About 85% IDMs developed hypoglycemia within 6 h of birth (P-value 0.00001) and majority (68%) were at 2 h of age. Forty percent of hypoglycemic IDMs from postnatal ward were admitted in special care baby unit. CONCLUSION: Hypoglycemia observed in 38.3% IDMs and developed within 6 h of age and maximum were at 2 h. Early recognition and appropriate intervention are needed in IDMs.

Immunohistochemical detection of vimentin in pancreatic islet ß- and α-cells of macrosomic infants of diabetic and nondiabetic mothers.

BACKGROUND: Expression of the intermediate filament protein vimentin has been recently observed in the pancreatic islet ß- and α-cells of humans with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It was suggested that the presence of vimentin in endocrine cells may indicate islet tissue renewal, or potentially represent the dedifferentiation of endocrine cells, which could contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes or islet cell dysfunction. AIM: To analyze the expression of vimentin in pancreatic ß- and α-cells of macrosomic infants of diabetic and nondiabetic mothers. SUBJECTS: Pancreatic samples of five macrosomic infants (gestational age 34-40weeks) from three diabetic and two nondiabetic mothers were compared to six control infants (32-40weeks, weight appropriate for gestational age) from normoglycemic mothers. METHODS: Pancreatic autopsy samples were examined by double immunofluorescent labeling with antibodies against vimentin and either insulin or glucagon. Alterations in the endocrine pancreas were measured using morphometric methods, then data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: In the pancreatic islets of macrosomic infants from diabetic and nondiabetic mothers, we observed vimentin-positive cells, some of which simultaneously contained insulin or glucagon. We also quantitatively showed that the presence of such cells was associated with hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the islets, and with an increase in ß- and α-cell density. CONCLUSIONS: We speculate that the appearance of vimentin-positive islet cells may reflect induction of differentiation in response to the increased insulin demand, and vimentin may serve as an early marker of endocrine pancreas disorders.

Cord blood resistin and adiponectin in term newborns of diabetic mothers.

INTRODUCTION: Adipose tissue can release hormones into the blood stream in response to specific extracellular stimuli or changes in metabolic status. Resistin, an adipose-secreted factor, is primarily involved in the modulation of insulin sensitivity and adipocyte differentiation. Adiponectin, an adipocyte-specific hormone with insulin sensitizing, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects, is reduced in obesity and type II diabetes. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of maternal pre-existing diabetes on cord blood resistin and adiponectin at birth in relation to neonatal anthropometric parameters and cord blood insulin levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 60 term newborns were prospectively enrolled and categorized into three groups: 20 were macrosomic infants of pre-gestational diabetic mothers (group I), 20 were non-macrosomic infants of pre-gestational diabetic mothers (group II) and 20 were healthy non-macrosomic infants born to non-diabetic mothers serving as controls (group III). Infants' anthropometric indices were recorded. Cord blood samples for glucose, insulin, resistin and adiponectin assay, together with maternal glycosylated haemoglobin were obtained. RESULTS: Serum insulin was increased while resistin and adiponectin were significantly decreased in infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) compared to the control group. Serum glucose, insulin, resistin and adiponectin were comparable in group I and II. Cord serum resistin correlated positively with cord blood glucose in IDMs in both macrosomic and non-macrosomic groups. Cord serum insulin correlated positively with triceps skinfold thickness in all studied neonates. Cord serum resistin and adiponectin showed no correlation with neonatal anthropometric indices. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that insulin, resistin and adiponectin together were highly correlated with birth weight, with adiponectin as the one responsible for this positive correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Infants of diabetic mothers had elevated levels of cord serum insulin and suppressed levels of cord serum resistin and adiponectin, suggesting that the regulation of these metabolic pathways is probably operational before birth. Levels were comparable in both macrosomic and non-macrosomic neonates.

The Role of Prenatal Target Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Congenital Anomalies in Infants of Diabetic Mothers / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Infants of diabetic mothers have higher incidence of congenital malformations compared with those of non-diabetic mothers. We investigated the usefulness of prenatal level II or "targeted" ultrasonography (TUS) as a diagnostic tool to identify congenital abnormalities in infants of diabetic mothers. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 218 mothers diagnosed as pregestational or gestational diabetes in whom prenatal TUS was performed in Asan Medical Center between 2004 and 2009. The prenatal TUS findings were compared with the congenital abnormalities found in the infants (n=226) of the diabetic mothers by physical examination and ultrasonography (including echocardiography). Maternal risk factors associated with congenital anomalies were also investigated. RESULTS: The incidence of congenital anomalies was 14.2% (n=32) in prenatal TUS and 15.5% (n=35) postnatally, respectively. Only 7 cases (3.6%) out of the 194 infants with normal prenatal TUS findings were found to have congenital abnormalities diagnosed postnatally. All of the abnormalities in these 7 infants could be detected or suspected by physical examination after birth. Maternal fasting glucose level >120 mg/dL and insulin therapy were significant risk factors for predicting congenital abnormalities in infants of diabetic mothers. CONCLUSION: Prenatal TUS performed by experienced obstetricians had a good reliability in the diagnosis of congenital anomalies in infants of diabetic mothers. Need for universal screening of ultrasound or echocardiography in these infants should be questioned especially in the cases in which prenatal TUS was performed.

Incidence of Hypoglycemia in Infants of Diabetic Mothers and Its Relationship with Brain Injury / 实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To explore the relationship between the incidence of hypoglycemia in infants of diabetic mothers and brain injury.Methods The incidence of 86 infants of diabetic mothers combined with hypoglycemia as well as the relationship time of persistent hypoglycemia of infants were studied.And the association of the incidence and degree of brain injury with the time of persistent hypoglycemia,complication of other diseases and symptomatic hypoglycemia was also investigated.Results Seventy-five cases of temporary hypoglycemia(87.2%),and 11 cases of frequent hypolycemia(12.8%)were observed in the study.In the group of unsatisfactory maternal blood glucose control cases,the incidence of frequent hypoglycemia was 19.4%;in the group of satisfactory maternal blood glucose control cases,the incidence of frequent hypoglycemia was 8%.The overall incidence of the brain injury and the incidence of severe brain injury in the group of frequent hypoglycemic cases were higher than those in the group of temporary hypoglycemic cases.The incidence of brain injury in cases complicated with other diseases(77.4%) and in those with clinical symptoms(81.2%) were significantly higher than those in without other diseases(48.5%) and clinical symptoms(57.4%)(Pa

Complications and Perinatal Factors According to the Birth Weight Groups in the Infants of Diabetic Mothers

PURPOSE: This study was performed to compare complications and perinatal factors according to the birth weight groups in the infants of diabetic mothers(IDM). METHODS: Three hundred and one singleton diabetic mothers and their babies of more than 30 weeks' gestational age admitted in the department of Pediatrics, Chonnam University Hospital from January 1996 to March 2002 were enrolled. Complications and perinatal factors were compared between large for gestational age(LGA) and appropriated for gestational age(AGA) infants. RESULTS: Hypomagnesemia was observed in 37.5%, jaundice in 21.3%, hypoglycemia in 11.1%, hypocalcemia in 7.0%, and birth injury in 19.6%. Congenital anomaly was noted in 24.9% with cardiovascular anomaly most commonly. In the LGA group, the frequencies of jaundice, hypoglycemia, tachypnea, and birth injuries were higher, and the interventricular septum was thicker than the AGA group. In the LGA group, Cesarean section rate, maternal height, weight before pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy, and the incidence of unawareness of gestational DM were significant compared with the AGA group. CONCLUSION: In the LGA group, the frequencies of jaundice, hypoglycemia, tachypnea, and birth injuries were higher, and the interventricular septum was thicker than the AGA group. In the LGA group, maternal height, weight before pregnancy and weight gain during pregnancy were larger, and the incidence of unawareness of gestational DM was higher compared with the AGA group. These results suggest that careful examination and management are needed to detect the high risk, pregnant DM mothers with possible LGA babies.

M-mode Echocardiographic Abnormalities in Infants of Diabetic Mothers

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate M-mode echocardiographic abnormalities in infants of relatively well controlled diabetic mothers and to determine the timing of spontaneous regression. METHODS: Echocardiographic study was prospectively carried out in 9 neonates born to diabetic mothers(infants of diabetic mothers, IDM) and 6 newborn infants(control) matched for weight and age. And the study were repeated in 3 of 9 IDM(follow up) after 3 to 16 months. M-mode echocardiography included measurements of left and right ventricular free wall and interventricular septal thickness and ventricular diastolic and systolic dimensions; LV function is expressed as shortening fracion. RESULTS: Interventricular septal thickness(0.56+/-0.13 vs 0.32+/-0.09) and STd/PWTd(2.04+/-0.60 vs 1.19+/-0.44) were significantly higher in infants of diabetic mothers thanin control newborn infants. Follow up measurements showed regression of interventricular septal thickness(2.13+/-0.58 vs 1.02+/-0.66/M2) but no significant improvement in STd/PWTd(2.04+/-0.60 vs 1.67+/-1.25) compared with initial measurements. CONCLUSION: M-mode echocardiographic abnormalities including interventricular septal hypertrophy and high STd/PWTd were observed even in infants of relatively well controlled diabetic mothers and may persist for a somewhat longer period.