Effect of maternal gestational diabetes mellitus on neonatal respiratory diseases in late-preterm infants

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effects of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its treatment during pregnancy on neonatal respiratory diseases in late-preterm infants. Method From January 2013 to December 2016 , respiratory outcome of singleton infants (gestational age: 34-36 weeks) of GDM mothers(GDM group) was compared with infants delivered from mothers without GDM(non-GDM group). We also studied the relationship between maternal GDM treatment (insulin-treated GDM and diet-controlled GDM) and neonatal respiratory outcome, including incidences of respiratory diseases, mechical ventilation and oxygen supplementation. Result A total of 2 174 late-preterm infants were enrolled in this study, including 425 in GDM group and 1 749 non-GDM group. The average birth weight was (2 688±423) g, ranging from 1 320 g to 4 275 g, and mean gestational age was (35.5±0.7) weeks. Comparing with non-GDM group, the incidence of cesarean delivery was significantly higher in GDM group (35.5% vs. 30.5%, P 0.05). In the GDM group, a total of 91 infants were born to mothers with insulin-treated GDM and 334 diet-controlled GDM. Comparing with the diet-controlled group, insulin treatment group was associated with higher risk of neonatal RDS (6.6% vs. 1.8%, P 0.05). Conclusion The late-preterm infants born to GDM mothers with insulin treatment have higher incidences of neonatal RDS and mechanical ventilation, and they need much more care. Key words: Diabetes gestational; Respiratory system; Infant, premature, diseases