Amniotic fluid volume reflects recent glycemic status in gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objective: Our purpose was to determine the association between amniotic fluid volume and recent glucose status in gestational diabetes.Study Design: Serial amniotic fluid index values, mean blood glucose levels, and percent hyperglycemia (≥ 120 mg/dl) 1 day and 1 week before the ultrasonographic examinations were prospectively collected in 399 gestational diabetics. Patients demonstrating at least one amniotic fluid index measurement within the normal range (i.e., 5 cm < amniotic fluid index ≤ 20 cm) and at least one elevated measurement (i.e., amniotic fluid index>20 cm) formed the study group. With each patient serving as her own control, glucose index values preceding normal and elevated amniotic fluid index values were compared.Results: Significantly higher mean blood glucose values 1 day (114.7 mg/dl vs 102.8 mg/dl, p < 0.01) and 1 week before (111.0 mg/dl vs. 102.0 mg/dl, p < 0.05) were calculated for examinations resulting in elevated amniotic fluid index values compared with normal amniotic fluid index values, respectively. Similarly, significantly higher percents of hyperglycemia 1 day (32% vs 16.5%, p < 0.05) but not 1 week (30.8% vs 21.7%, p>0.05) before the elevated amniotic fluid index were documented.Conclusion: Amniotic fluid volume reflects recent glycemic status in gestational diabetes mellitus.