Assessing neonatal complications in gestational diabetes affected pregnancies

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disorder
during pregnancy that significantly impacts both maternal and neonatal health.
Neonates born to mothers with GDM are at increased risk for a range of
complications, including macrosomia, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress, and NICU
admission. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of GDM and the
spectrum of neonatal complications associated with it in a tertiary care setting.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out at the Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences
(SMIMS), Kulasekaram, Tamil Nadu, from January 2023 to December 2023. A total
of 300 pregnant women were enrolled, of whom 60 were diagnosed with GDM using
the IADPSG criteria. Neonatal outcomes were compared between the GDM group
and 240 non-GDM controls. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, and pvalues <0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: The prevalence of GDM was found to be 20%. Neonatal complications
were significantly more common in the GDM group. Macrosomia was noted in 25%
of neonates, hypoglycemia in 20%, respiratory distress in 16.7%, and NICU
admissions in 30% of GDM pregnancies, all with statistically significant differences
compared to the control group (p<0.001). Maternal risk factors such as obesity,
family history of diabetes, and history of large-for-gestational-age babies were
significantly associated with GDM.
Conclusion: GDM is associated with a high risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. Early
diagnosis, maternal glycemic control, and appropriate neonatal monitoring are
essential to reduce perinatal complications.