RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RISK FACTORS FOR PRETERM DELIVERY IN GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS AND THEIR ADVERSE NEONATAL OUTCOMES

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives-This study aims to anticipate all the risk factors involved with preterm birth in women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to identify the adverse outcomes in their premature babies. Methods— This retrospective hospital-based case-control study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences from August 2022 to October 2023. A total of 640 pregnant women were included in this study. Antenatal screening for gestational diabetes was done at 24 weeks of gestation as per the institutional guidelines. The diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is based on an oral glucose tolerance test with 75 grams of glucose. Results- Age ≥ 30 years (86% vs 71% p-value <0.001), BMI ≥25 (63% vs 47% p-value <0.01), and prior preterm birth (9.2% vs 3.7% p-value <0.01) were more associated with preterm delivery in mothers with GDM. LGA was more common in cases than controls (6.2% vs 2.2%, p=0.035).  RDS (26.9% vs 17.4%, P=0.02) and hypoglycemia (28.4% vs 19.6%, P=0.03) are more common problems in preterm babies of GDM mothers. Conclusions- Mothers with GDM are prone to preterm delivery, with significant risk factors being age≥ 30, BMI≥ 25, prior preterm birth and LGA. GDM also increases the risk of some adverse outcomes, such as RDS and neonatal hypoglycemia.