Large For Gestational Age Infants Research Articles

Associations of umbilical cord fatty acid profiles and desaturase enzyme indices with birth weight for gestational age in Japanese infants

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) required for infant development are produced by Δ6 desaturase (D6D) and Δ5 desaturase (D5D). The D6D index and D5D index are calculated based on their respective precursor/product ratios. The D5D and D6D indices are related to obesity and lifestyle-related diseases. The aim of the present study was to examine the associations of umbilical cord fatty acid profiles, D6D index, and D5D index in appropriate for gestational age (AGA), small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA) infants. This was a nested case-control study, and the relationship between case and control maternal blood and umbilical cord blood fatty acid compositions was examined. Cases were small for gestational age (SGA; n = 55) and large for gestational age (LGA; n = 149) infants, whereas controls were appropriate for gestational age (AGA; n = 204) infants. Fatty acid profiles in maternal blood and umbilical cord plasma were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. The D6D index was calculated as dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA 20: 3 n-6) / linoleic acid (18: 2 n - 6), and the D5D index was calculated as arachidonic acid (20: 4 n - 6) / DGLA (20: 3 n - 6). Statistical analysis of umbilical cord blood fatty acids was performed with multiple comparisons. SGA infants showed high umbilical cord values for α-linolenic acid and DHA and lower values for DGLA compared to AGA infants. SGA infants showed a higher D5D index but a lower D6D index than AGA infants. LGA infants showed high values for α-linolenic acid and DGLA and lower values for arachidonic acid than AGA infants. LGA infants showed a high D6D index and a low D5D index relative to AGA infants. No significant differences in maternal blood fatty acid profiles, the D6D index, and D5D index desaturase activities were found among the three groups. There were differences in umbilical cord fatty acid profiles and D6D and D5D indices among AGA, SGA, and LGA infants, but further study is needed.

New Reference for Neonatal Growth: 10-Year Data of Phramongkutklao Hospital

Background: Growth assessment including birth weight, length, and head circumference is important to identify infants at risk. However, using international growth curves may be inappropriate for growth assessment of Thai neonates. Objective: To generate a growth chart of infants at the Phramongkutklao Hospital (PMK), and to compare PMK’s growth chart assessment with other international growth charts. Materials and Methods: The authors generated a PMK growth chart from PMK’s newborn database between 2007 and 2016. Birth weight of infants born in 2017 was assessed by using the PMK growth chart in comparison with the Fenton, Lubchenco and Intergrowth Twenty-first growth charts. Results: To generate a PMK growth chart, 22,926 infants were enrolled to the present study. Comparing with other international growth charts, the Fenton exhibited a higher ninetieth percentile of birth weight than others, especially at gestational age of 36 to 41 weeks. In contrast, the Lubchenco exhibited the lowest tenth percentile of birth weight. In 2017, 2,314 infants were born and evaluated by using the PMK, the Fenton, the Lubchenco, and the Intergrowth-21st growth charts. Large for gestational age (LGA) was identified in 185 (8.64%), 55 (2.57%), 166 (7.75%) and 166 (7.75%) infants, respectively. In contrast, small for gestational age (SGA) was identified in 220 (10.27%), 228 (10.64%), 34 (1.59%) and 148 (6.91%) infants, respectively. The admission rate of infants diagnosed as LGA by PMK, but appropriate for gestational age (AGA) by Fenton was higher than other AGA infants. Conclusion: The PMK reference of neonatal growth is up-to-date and applicable. Growth assessment using the Fenton growth chart at late preterm and term gestations may be inaccurate to identify LGA infants. In contrast, the Lubchenco growth chart has limitation to identify SGA infants. Data accumulation from multi-centers at different regions of Thailand are warranted to generate a Thai neonatal growth reference. Keywords: Growth curve, Neonatal growth, Large for gestational age, Small for gestational age

Prognosis associated with initial care of increased fasting glucose in early pregnancy: A retrospective study

AimTo evaluate whether the initial care of women with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels at 5.1–6.9mmol/L before 22 weeks of gestation (WG), termed ‘early fasting hyperglycaemia’, is associated with fewer adverse outcomes than no initial care. MethodsA total of 523 women with early fasting hyperglycaemia were retrospectively selected in our department (2012–2016) and separated into two groups: (i) those who received immediate care (n=255); and (ii) those who did not (n=268), but had an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at or after 22 WG, with subsequent standard care if hyperglycaemia (by WHO criteria) was present. The number of cases of large-for-gestational age (LGA) infants, shoulder dystocia and preeclampsia with initial care of early fasting hyperglycaemia were compared after propensity score modelling and accounting for covariates. ResultsOf the 268 women with no initial care, 134 had hyperglycaemia after 22 WG and then received care. Women who received initial care vs those who did not were more likely to be insulin-treated during pregnancy (58.0% vs 20.9%, respectively; P<0.00001), gained less gestational weight (8.6±5.4kg vs 10.8±6.1kg, respectively; P<0.00001), had a lower rate of preeclampsia [1.2% vs 2.6%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.247 (0.082–0.759), P=0.01], and similar rates of LGA infants (12.2% vs 11.9%, respectively) and shoulder dystocia (1.6% vs 1.5%, respectively). When initial FPG levels were ≥5.5mmol/L (prespecified group, n=137), there was a lower rate of LGA infants [6.7% vs 16.1%, respectively; aOR: 0.332 (0.122–0.898); P=0.03]. ConclusionTreating women with early fasting hyperglycaemia, especially when FPG is ≥5.5mmol/L, may improve pregnancy outcomes, although this now needs to be confirmed by randomized clinical trials.

Metformin versus insulin use for treatment of gestational diabetes and delivery by caesarean section: A nationwide Swedish cohort study

ObjectivePregnant women who develop gestational diabetes (GDM) are more likely to deliver by caesarean section (CS). Over the last decade, the use of metformin has increased as an alternative to insulin but it’s unknown how this shift in treatment has influenced the mode of delivery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the association between metformin use and CS and delivery of a large-for-gestational age (LGA) infant compared to insulin use for GDM. Study designThe Swedish population health registers were linked to identify pregnant women from 2012 to 2016 without preexisting diabetes and with a first filled prescription of insulin or metformin in trimester 2 or 3 (n = 2467), categorized into those treated with insulin only (88%), metformin only (7.6%), or both insulin and metformin (4.3%). Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Analyses were adjusted for relevant covariates and stratified by history of CS. ResultsThe proportion of women using metformin to treat GDM increased from 2.5% in 2012 to over 30% in 2016. Comparing insulin only to metformin only use, no association with delivery by CS (adjusted OR 0.79, 95% CI; 0.54–1.16) and lower odds of delivering a LGA infant (adjusted OR 0.44, 95% CI; 0.26–0.76) was found. Treatment with both insulin and metformin was associated with an increased risk of CS (adjusted OR 1.65, 95% CI; 1.06–2.56), which were more often unplanned. Estimates were further elevated in nulliparous (adjusted OR 2.32, 95% CI; 0.95–5.65) and multiparous women with a history of CS (adjusted OR 2.29, 95% CI; 0.60–8.74) but conclusions could not be drawn given the wide CIs. ConclusionThere was no evidence of a higher association of metformin use alone with CS compared to insulin use for treatment of GDM but a protective effect for delivery of a LGA infant was shown. Women requiring treatment with both insulin and metformin had increased odds for delivery by CS which in turn may indicate that the need for the use of both medications to treat GDM suggests a pregnancy at higher risk.

Prediction of Large for Gestational Age by Ultrasound at 35 Weeks and Impact of Ultrasound-Delivery Interval: Comparison of 6 Standards

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the predictive ability of the ultrasound estimated percentile weight (EPW) at 35 weeks to predict large for gestational age (LGA) at term delivery according to 6 growth standards, including population, population-customized, and international references. The secondary objectives were to determine its predictive ability to detect adverse perinatal outcomes (APOs) and whether the ultrasound-delivery interval influences the detection rate of LGA newborns. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 9,585 singleton pregnancies. Maternal clinical characteristics, fetal ultrasound data obtained at 35 weeks, and pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were used to calculate EPWs to predict LGAs at delivery according to the customized and the non-customized (NC) Miguel Servet University Hospital (MSUH), the customized Figueras, the NC Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF), the NC INTERGROWTH-21st, and the NC World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Results: For a 10% false-positive rate, detection rates for total LGAs at delivery ranged from 31.2% with the WHO (area under the curve [AUC] 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–0.79) to 56.5% with the FMF standard (AUC 0.85; 95% CI, 0.84–0.86). Detection rates and values of AUCs to predict LGAs by ultrasound-delivery interval (range 1–6 weeks) show higher detection rates as the interval decreases. APO detection rates ranged from 2.5% with the WHO to 12.6% with the Figueras standard. Conclusion: The predictive ability of ultrasound estimated fetal weight at 35 weeks to detect LGA infants is significantly greater for FMF and MSUH NC standards. In contrast, the APO detection rate is significantly greater for customized standards. The shorter ultrasound-delivery interval relates to better prediction rates.

Fetal anterior abdominal wall thickness between gestational diabetes and normal pregnant women

ObjectivesTo compare fetal anterior abdominal wall thickness (AAWT) between women with and without GDM during third trimester and to determine accuracy of AAWT to predict large for gestational age (LGA) infants. Materials and methodsA total of 250 pregnant women, including 125 women with GDM and 125 women without GDM, were enrolled. Tansabdominal ultrasonographic examinations were performed at 28–30, 32–34 and 36–38 weeks. In addition to standard fetal biometries, AAWT was measured. Patient characteristics and ultrasonographic measurements were compared between groups. Sensitivity and specificity of AAWT for identifying LGA were evaluated. ResultsWhile standard fetal biometries were comparable, mean fetal AAWT in GDM women were significantly higher than those without GDM at 28–30 weeks (2.8 ± 0.8 vs. 2.6 ± 0.6, p = 0.006) and 32–34 weeks (4.0 ± 0.9 vs. 3.5 ± 0.8, p = 0.042). LGA infants had significantly higher fetal AAWT at each time point only in GDM women. Using cut off values of AAWT of ≥2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mm at 28–30, 32–34, and 36–38 weeks, sensitivity for LGA diagnosis in GDM women were 94.4%, 93.9%, and 89.3%, respectively. The use of abdominal circumference (AC) at >90th percentile showed lower sensitivity but higher specificity, regardless of GDM status. Combination of both measurements increased sensitivity to approximately 90% or higher in every time point, especially among GDM women. ConclusionSignificant increase in fetal AAWT was observed in GDM women at 28–30 and 32–34 weeks. Fetal AAWT significantly increased among LGA infants and had higher sensitivity than AC in identifying LGA during third trimester. In GDM women at 28–30 weeks, AAWT ≥2.0 mm and AC >90th percentile had 97.2% sensitivity for LGA diagnosis.

The value of fetal growth biometry velocities to predict large for gestational age (LGA) infants

Objective The use of growth velocities derived from fetal biometrics have been suggested to improve prediction of large for gestational age (LGA). Our objective was to determine if ultrasonographic growth velocities (GV) for abdominal circumference (AC) and estimated fetal weight (EFW) improve the prediction of LGA infants when compared to Hadlock EFW. Methods This was a secondary analysis of data from a prospective study of women referred for growth ultrasounds during the 3rd trimester. Growth velocities (GV) for AC (AC − GV) and EFW (EFW − GV) were derived from the difference in Z-scores between measurements at the time of anatomy survey (18–24 week) and third trimester ultrasound (26–36 weeks). Change in AC − GV and EFW − GV >90th %ile alone or in combination with Hadlock EFW >90th%ile were compared for prediction of a LGA neonate. The primary outcome was the sensitivity and specificity of the (1) Hadlock EFW >90%ile, (2) AC − GV, (3) EFW − GV, (4) Hadlock EFW + AC − GV, and (5) Hadlock EFW + EFW − GV for the prediction of neonatal LGA. Test characteristics and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were determined. The association between the ultrasound predicted growth and adverse neonatal outcome was assessed using logistic regression. Results Of 630 women meeting inclusion criteria, 85 (13.5%) had LGA neonates. Hadlock EFW showed a better NPV (98.0%) and sensitivity (71.1%) when compared to AC − GV (NPV 87.5%, sensitivity 17.7%) and EFW − GV (NPV 88.0%, sensitivity 22.6%). Combining Hadlock EFW and AC-GV or EFW − GV did little to improve the test characteristics for the prediction of LGA (AUC 0.65 and 0.64, respectively). All five measurements were unable to predict a composite of adverse neonatal outcome or need for maternal cesarean delivery. Adjustment of the growth velocities for gestational age at anatomy scan or 3rd trimester growth scan did not change these results. Conclusion AC and EFW growth velocities do not appear to improve the prediction of LGA infants when compared to using the third trimester Hadlock EFW.

The role of neighbourhood socioeconomic status in large for gestational age.

To determine whether neighbourhood socioeconomic status (SES) was associated with large for gestational age (LGA) while considering key sociodemographic and clinical confounding factors. All singleton infants whose parents were living in the city of Marseilles, France, between 2013 and 2016. Population-based study based on new-born hospital birth admission charts from the French National Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set Database. LGA infants were compared to appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants. Multiple generalized logistic model analysis was used to examine factors associated with LGA. A total of 43,309 singleton infants were included, and 4,747 (11%) were born LGA. LGA infants were more likely to have metabolic and respiratory diseases and to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Multiparity, advanced maternal age, obesity and diabetes were associated with an increased risk of LGA. Lower neighbourhood SES was associated with LGA (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.14; 1.36; p<0.0001) independent of age, diabetes, obesity, maternal smoking and multiparity. The strength of this association increased with maternal age, reaching an aOR of 1.50 (95% CI: 1.26; 1.78; p<0.0001) for women > 35 years old. Neighbourhood SES could be considered an important factor for clinicians to better identify mothers at risk of having LGA births in addition to well-known risk factors such as maternal diabetes, obesity and age. The intensification of the association between SES and LGA with increasing maternal age suggests that neighbourhood disadvantage may act on LGA cumulatively over time.

The Predictive Ability of Two Triglyceride-Associated Indices for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Large for Gestational Age Infant Among Chinese Pregnancies: A Preliminary Cohort Study.

Background/AimsTo investigate the potential of maternal first-trimester triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-c) ratio, triglyceride glucose index (TyG) and total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-c to predict the risk of later gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and large for gestational age (LGA) newborn in Chinese women.MethodsWe included 352 women with a singleton pregnancy, who were followed up prospectively from the first prenatal visit until delivery. Fasting glucose and plasma lipid profiles including TG, TC, HDL-c, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) were measured in the first trimester. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of GDM and LGA according to tertiles of those indices, respectively. Receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) and areas under the curve (AUC) were employed to evaluate the ability of those indices to predict the risk of GDM and LGA infants, and differences in the AUC values between them were compared.ResultsWomen with the top tertile of TG/HDL-c or TyG other than TC/HDL-c had a significantly higher risk of GDM (ORTG/HDL-c=2.388, 95% CI 1.026–5.467; ORTyG=3.535, 95% CI 1.483–8.426, respectively) and LGA infant delivery (ORTG/HDL-c=3.742, 95% CI 1.114–12.569; ORTyG=3.011, 95% CI 1.012–8.962, respectively) than women with the lowest tertile of TG/HDL-c or TyG after adjusting for confounders. The AUC of TG/HDL-c and TyG to detect GDM was 0.664 (95% CI 0.595–0.733) and 0.686 (95% CI 0.615–0.756), respectively, and that to detect LGA was 0.646 (95% CI 0.559–0.734) and 0.643 (95% CI 0.552–0.735), respectively (all P < 0.01). There were no statistical differences between TG/HDL-c and TyG in the ability of predicting the risk of GDM or LGA infants.ConclusionMaternal first-trimester TG/HDL-c and TyG are both good indicators in predicting the risk of later GDM and LGA newborn, and it may be useful to evaluate them in early pregnancy.

The effect of consuming milk and related products during human pregnancy over birth weight and perinatal outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveData addressing the effect of milk and related products (M&RPs) on fetal growth are contradictory. The aim was to meta-analyze the effect of consuming M&RPs during human pregnancy over perinatal outcomes. MethodA systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Eligibility criteria for selection were: studies evaluating the effect of consuming M&RPs during pregnancy over birth weight and different perinatal outcomes. Random effect models were used for meta-analyses, and effects are reported as mean differences (MD) or odds ratio (OR) and their 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). ResultsFourteen studies (111,184 pregnant women) reported on the targeted perinatal outcomes. The meta-analysis of ten studies revealed a positive association between consuming a higher amount of M&RPs and birth weight (MD =51.0 g, 95 % CI 24.7–77.3), whereas in five studies a positive effect was observed on infant length (MD =0.33 cm, 95 % CI: 0.03−0.64). The higher birth weight was detected both in Western world gravids, consuming standard/conventional diets, as well as in vegetarian women from India. There were no significant differences in ultrasound measured fetal head circumference, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference and femur length. The consumption of a higher amount of M&RPs was associated with a reduced risk of small-for-gestational age (SGA) (OR = 0.69, 95 % CI: 0.56−0.84) and low birth weight infants (OR = 0.63, 95 % CI: 0.48−0.84); in addition to a higher risk of large-for-gestational age (LGA) infants (OR = 1.11, 95 % CI: 1.02–1.21). ConclusionThe consumption of a higher amount of M&RPs during pregnancy was associated with greater infant birth weight and length; in addition to a lower risk of having SGA and low birth weight infants, and a higher risk of LGA infants.

Effect of paternal body mass index on neonatal outcomes of singletons after frozen−thawed embryo transfer cycles: analysis of 7,908 singleton newborns

To investigate the effect of paternal body mass index (BMI) on neonatal outcomes of singletons after frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary-care academic medical center. A total of 7,908 singleton newborns were divided into four categories based on their paternal BMI: 284 (3.6%) infants were in the paternal underweight category, 4,678 (59.2%) infants were in the paternal normal weight category, 2,585 (32.7%) infants were in the paternal overweight category, and 361 (4.6%) infants were in the paternal obesity category. In addition, we included only infants of women with normal BMI (18.5 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2). None. Neonatal outcomes. The rates of large for gestational age (LGA) infants were significantly higher among those in the paternal overweight and obesity categories than those in the paternal underweight categories. The rates of very LGA were higher among infants in the paternal overweight categories and lower among infants in the paternal underweight categories than the rates in normal controls. The rates of fetal macrosomia were higher among infants in the paternal overweight categories than among infants in the paternal normal weight categories. Compared with normal controls, Z-scores (gestational age- and sex-adjusted birthweight) were significantly higher among the infants in the paternal overweight and paternal obesity categories and significantly lower among the infants in the paternal underweight categories. A positive association was observed in a multiple linear regression model between paternal BMI and newborn birthweights after adjustment for several potential confounders. Paternal BMI had an independent impact on the birthweight of singletons born after FET cycles. Paternal overweight and paternal obesity were independent risk factors for having LGA infants after FET cycles. Furthermore, paternal overweight was an independent risk factor for fathering infants with macrosomia or very LGA infants after FET cycles.

The Influence of Bariatric Surgery on Pregnancy and Perinatal Outcomes-A Case-Control Study.

Introduction: Obesity in pregnant women increases the incidence of pregnancy-induced comorbidities and the rate of operative deliveries. Purpose of the Study: As bariatric surgery is the reference method of treatment of obesity, we wanted to evaluate its influence on the course of pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. Material and Methods: Data was collected from 627 female patients after bariatric surgery, of whom 107 had a history of pregnancy after the surgery, and 345 non-bariatric patients who had a delivery at a tertiary perinatal center. Sixty-one cases were matched (1:1) with controls for age, pre-pregnancy BMI and presence of pre-pregnancy comorbidities. The main endpoints were gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), small (SGA) and large for gestational age infants (LGA) and cesarean sections (CS). Results: Patients after bariatric procedures were significantly less likely to have GDM (19.67%/37.7%; p = 0.0433), PIH (11.47%/16.39%; p = 0.6072) and preterm delivery (13.11%/37.7%; p = 0.0026). The CS rate was higher (57.38%/40.98%; p = 0.0987). There was an increased risk of SGA (18.03%/13.11%; p = 0.6072) and a decreased risk of LGA (6.56%/16.39%; p = 0.146). Conclusions: Patients after bariatric surgery have a decreased risk of pregnancy-induced comorbidities, preterm deliveries and LGA infants, with an increase in rate of CS and SGA infants compared to general population matched for pre-pregnancy BMI, age and presence of pre-pregnancy comorbidities.

Prediction of Neonatal Birth Weight in Obese Women by Presence of Diabetes [29D

INTRODUCTION: To design a model that will predict neonatal birth weight within obese mothers by diabetic status. METHODS: A secondary data analysis of an RCT (NCT 02909582) was utilized to create a neonatal birth weight prediction model. Women (n=325) with a BMI &gt;35 kg/m2 from a tertiary academic institution, 2016–2019, were included to estimate the risk of large for gestational age (LGA) infants and neonatal birth weight based on maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and diabetic status. LGA was defined as an infant birth weight &gt;90th percentile. Analysis included Chi-square, t-test, multivariate logistic and linear regression. RESULTS: Mean birthweight did not differ in obese mothers based on diabetic status (P&gt;.05). The frequency of large for gestational age infants was significantly greater for diabetic mothers (17% vs 7% without diabetes, P=.024). Total pregnancy weight gain (continuous, lbs) (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01, 1.05; P=.016) and pre-pregnancy BMI (continuous, OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.01, 1.15; P=.018) were associated with the risk of LGA infants when accounting for demographics (model R2=0.074). The presence of diabetes (RR 146; 95% CI 24, 268; P=.019), total weight gain (lbs) (RR 4; 95% CI 1, 7; P=.015), and gestational age (RR 197; 95% CI 175, 220; P&lt;.001) were associated with neonatal birth weight when accounting for demographics (model R2=0.550). CONCLUSION: These models incorporate the joint effects of maternal obesity and diabetic status in predicting neonatal birthweight, thereby enabling clinicians to counsel their high-risk patients on risk for large for gestational age infants.

Five-Year Retrospective Evaluation of large for gestational age (LGA) infants who Birth Weight of Over 90% Percentile

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women delivering large for gestational age (LGA) infants.&#x0D; Material and Methods: A total of 399 pregnant women giving birth to LGA infants in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Dicle University Medical Faculty Hospital between January 2014 and December 2018 were included in this retrospective study. Demographic features, pregnancy and infant data, delivery type (vaginal delivery/cesarean delivery), and patients’ indications for cesarean section were assessed.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the patients was 32.34±6.63, their gravida was 5.16±2.65 and parity was 3.55±2.36. The mean gestational week was 37.12±2.840 weeks and the mean birth weight was 3922.46±643.546 g. Of all patients, diabetes was detected in 28.5%, polyhydramnios in 11.3%, placental invasion anomaly in 4%, and preeclampsia in 9%. While 83.7% (334) of the patients underwent cesarean section, the remaining 16.3% (65) underwent normal delivery. 3.25% (13) of the patients developed complications during delivery. The rate of fetal anomaly was 11.7% (47) in existing pregnancies while the rate of fetal death was 5.01% (20).&#x0D; Conclusion: A cesarean delivery was performed in the majority of pregnant women with a suspected LGA infant. This group of patients exhibited a very high rate of gestational diabetes mellitus and diabetes mellitus. Existing pregnancies constitute a specifical pregnancy population that should be taken into consideration regarding probable complications and problems with the infant.

Sonographic and other nonglycemic factors can predict large-for-gestational-age infants in diet-managed gestational diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. Left untreated or poorly controlled, GDM results in adverse infant outcomes such as large for gestational age (LGA). This study aims to identify nonglycemic maternal and fetal factors predictive of LGA outcomes in pregnancies complicated by diet-managed GDM. This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies complicated by diet-managed GDM from 2004 to 2015. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed on maternal and perinatal factors to identify risk factors for LGA. In addition, a subset univariate analysis was conducted for pregnancies in which fetal ultrasound abdominal circumference measurements were available at gestational weeks 18 to 22, 24 to 28, and 29 to 33. A total of 1064 women were included, delivering 123 LGA infants. Women with higher parity (odds ratio [OR] 1.44; CI, 1.23-1.68; P < .001) and higher prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.09; CI, 1.06-1.12; P < .001) were more likely to have LGA infants. Maternal smoking (OR 0.30; CI, 0.14-0.62; P = .001) and higher gestational age at birth (OR 0.91; CI, 0.84-0.99; P = .018) were associated with reduced risk. Subset univariate analysis showed that fetal abdominal circumference measurements at weeks 24 to 28 and 29 to 33 beyond the 75th percentile (OR 5.92 and 13.74, respectively) and 90th percentile (OR 4.57 and 15.89, respectively) were highly predictive of LGA. Parity, smoking status, maternal BMI, gestational age, and ultrasound fetal abdominal circumference measurements were identified as useful predictors of LGA. Presence of these predictors may prompt closer monitoring of pregnancy and early therapeutic intervention to improve management and reduce the risk of adverse fetal and maternal outcomes.

Determinants of the persistency of macrosomia and shoulder dystocia despite treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus

Aimsto identify potentially modifiable risk factors associated with the persistency of macrosomia and/or shoulder dystocia in infants born to women treated for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methodsthis case-control retrospective study included 113 cases complicated by macrosomia (ponderal index ≥97th percentile) and/or shoulder dystocia, and 226 controls without these complications. Factors associated with macrosomia and/or shoulder dystocia and with failure of diabetes management were assessed by multivariable analyses. ResultsMacrosomia and/or shoulder dystocia were associated with previous delivery of a large for gestational age (LGA) infant (adjusted odds ratio, 2.34, 95% confidence interval [1.01–5.45]), three abnormal glucose values during oral glucose tolerance test (2.83 [1.19–6.72]), a higher gestational weight gain before treatment (1.08 [1.01–1.15]), and failure of diabetes management (2.68 [1.32–5.45]). A non-Euro Caucasian origin (3.08 [1.37–6.93]), previous delivery of a LGA infant (3.21 [1.31–7.87]), institution of treatment after 32 weeks of gestation (3.92 [1.86–8.25]), and insulin therapy (2.91 [1.20–7.03]) were associated with failure of diabetes management. Conclusionssupportive care in at risk women, limitation of weight gain in early pregnancy, shortened delay between diagnosis and treatment of GDM, and intensive insulin dosage adjustments might be means to improve the neonatal prognosis of GDM.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Pregnancy: Importance of Analyzing Temporal Profiles to Understand Clinical Outcomes.

OBJECTIVETo determine if temporal glucose profiles differed between 1) women who were randomized to real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) or self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG), 2) women who used insulin pumps or multiple daily insulin injections (MDIs), and 3) women whose infants were born large for gestational age (LGA) or not, by assessing CGM data obtained from the Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Women With Type 1 Diabetes in Pregnancy Trial (CONCEPTT).RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSStandard summary metrics and functional data analysis (FDA) were applied to CGM data from the CONCEPTT trial (RT-CGM, n = 100; SMBG, n = 100) taken at baseline and at 24- and 34-weeks’ gestation. Multivariable regression analysis determined if temporal differences in 24-h glucose profiles occurred between comparators in each of the three groups.RESULTSFDA revealed that women using RT-CGM had significantly lower glucose (0.4–0.8 mmol/L [7–14 mg/dL]) for 7 h/day (0800 h to 1200 h and 1600 h to 1900 h) compared with those with SMBG. Women using pumps had significantly higher glucose (0.4–0.9 mmol/L [7–16 mg/dL]) for 12 h/day (0300 h to 0600 h, 1300 h to 1800 h, and 2030 h to 0030 h) at 24 weeks with no difference at 34 weeks compared with MDI. Women who had an LGA infant ran a significantly higher glucose by 0.4–0.7 mmol/L (7–13 mg/dL) for 4.5 h/day at baseline, by 0.4–0.9 mmol/L (7–16 mg/dL) for 16 h/day at 24 weeks, and by 0.4–0.7 mmol/L (7–13 mg/dL) for 14 h/day at 34 weeks.CONCLUSIONSFDA of temporal glucose profiles gives important information about differences in glucose control and its timing, which are undetectable by standard summary metrics. Women using RT-CGM were able to achieve better daytime glucose control, reducing fetal exposure to maternal glucose.

Plasma Glycated CD59 Predicts Early Gestational Diabetes and Large for Gestational Age Newborns.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed in early pregnancy is a health care challenge because it increases the risk of adverse outcomes. Plasma-glycated CD59 (pGCD59) is an emerging biomarker for diabetes and GDM. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of pGCD59 as a biomarker of early GDM and its association with delivering a large for gestational age (LGA) infant. To assess the performance of pGCD59 to identify women with GDM in early pregnancy (GDM < 20) and assess the association of pGCD59 with LGA and potentially others adverse neonatal outcomes linked to GDM. Blood levels of pGCD59 were measured in samples from 693 obese women (body mass index > 29) undergoing a 75-g, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at <20 weeks' gestation in the Vitamin D and Lifestyle Intervention study: the main analyses included 486 subjects who had normal glucose tolerance throughout the pregnancy, 207 who met criteria for GDM at <20 weeks, and 77 diagnosed with GDM at pregnancy weeks 24 through 28. Reference tests were 75-g, 2-hour OGTT adjudicated based on International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group criteria. The index test was a pGCD59 ELISA. Mean pGCD59 levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in women with GDM < 20 (3.9 ± 1.1 standard peptide units [SPU]) than in those without (2.7 ± 0.7 SPU). pGCD59 accurately identified GDM in early pregnancy with an area under the curve receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83-0.90). One-unit increase in maternal pGCD59 level was associated with 36% increased odds of delivering an LGA infant (odds ratio for LGA vs non-LGA infant: 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8; P = 0.016). Our results indicate that pGCD59 is a simple and accurate biomarker for detection of GDM in early pregnancy and risk assessment of LGA.

Early Human-Milk Metabolome in Cases of Intrauterine Growth-Restricted and Macrosomic Infants.

Abnormal fetal growth is associated with short-term and long-term metabolic dysregulation and susceptibility to obesity-related disorders. Maternal milk, the ideal source of infantile nutrition, protects from metabolic diseases in adulthood. By applying nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics, this study investigated the metabolic profile of early human milk/colostrum (EHM/C) at the extremes of fetal-growth conditions, which could affect its nutritional value. From 98mothers delivering 60 appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA), 19 large-for-gestational-age (LGA), and 19 intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) full-term neonates, milk samples collected on the third to fourth day post partum were examined by NMR spectroscopy. Multivariate data analysis elicited information from NMR spectra and probed to metabolic signatures of EHM/C. LGA and IUGR EHM/C samples depicted increased content in lactose, citric acid, choline, phosphocholine, and N-acetylglutamine. AGA samples exhibited increased isoleucine and valine. Metabolic pathways involved were valine, leucine/isoleucine biosynthesis and degradation, glycerophospholipid metabolism, aminoacyl-transfer RNA biosynthesis, and citrate cycle. Orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis models were validated. This holistic metabolomics study framed an increased content of certain essential nutrients in EHM/C samples following the birth of LGA and IUGR infants prone to short- and long-term metabolic disorders, thus stressing additional benefits of early breastfeeding. Assessing the metabolic profile of EHΜ/C enables evaluation of its nutrition value, adjusted to fetal growth, and introduction of appropriate dietary interventions.

Effect of frozen and fresh embryo transfers on the birthweight of live-born twins

ObjectiveTo explore the influence of frozen embryo transfer (FET) and fresh embryo transfer (Fresh) on the birthweight of live-born twins. Study designA total of 8482 live-born twins were studied. The proportions of small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA), the mean birthweight and the z score of live-born twins in the two groups were compared. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between confounding factors and the birthweight of live-born twins. ResultsThe proportion of SGA infants significantly decreased as BMI increased (BMI < 20, 6.1 %; 20 ≤ BMI≤25, 4.1 %; BMI > 25, 3.6 %; P<0.05). The proportion of LGA infants significantly increased as BMI increased (BMI < 20, 20.5 %; 20 ≤ BMI≤25, 25.2 %; BMI > 25, 30.7 %; P<0.0001). The proportion of SGA infants was significantly lower in the FET group than in the Fresh group, whereas the proportion of LGA infants was significantly higher in the former than in the latter. The absolute mean birthweight of live-born twins was significantly higher in the FET group compared with the Fresh group (2579 ± 458 vs. 2534 ± 465, P < 0.0001). The mean z score of the FET group was also significantly higher than that of the Fresh group (0.420 vs. 0.240, P < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that FET was a more significant factor than fresh embryo transfer in influencing the birthweight of live-born twins. ConclusionFET significantly increased the birthweight of live-born twins compared with fresh embryo transfer.