Temporal trends in pregnancy outcome of Maltese Diabetic patients

Abstract

Complications attributable to diabetes mellitus account for a significant proportion of pregnancy complications in the Maltesepopulation. The intervention strategies that have been introduced in the last decades in obstetric practice should help tofavourably alter the obstetric outcome of these pregnancies. The study reviewed the outcome indicators of pre-existing andgestational diabetic pregnancies in the Maltese population over a 15-year interval comparing the periods 1983-1986 and1999-2002. The study has shown an increase from 0.22% to 0.35% in the prevalence of pre-existing diabetes mellitus inpregnant women, the increase being more marked in the younger age groups. The incidence of gestational DM also showedan increase from 1.25% to 2.40% reflecting a more active screening policy. In both groups, there has been a definite gain inperinatal survival and a drop in macrosomia rate; however associated with a relative rise in low birth weight resulting fromearlier intervention by induction of labour and caesarian section.